The anticipation is building across Merced County as high school football teams lace up for the upcoming fall season. With the first practice scheduled for August 3, coaches and players are turning their attention to a calendar packed with scrimmages, league matchups and a postseason that promises plenty of drama.
Practice and scrimmages set the stage
August 3 marks the green light for teams to hit the field, kicking off a period of intense preparation. Just three weeks later, on August 21, squads will meet for scrimmages that serve as a crucial dress rehearsal before the season’s opening game on August 28.
The regular season will unfold over the next two months, with league play kicking off between September 25 and October 9, depending on each conference’s alignment. The final week of competition arrives on November 6 or 7, giving teams a narrow window to jockey for playoff positioning before the postseason begins.
Postseason prospects and transfer rules
A key deadline looms on October 2, when the transfer sit‑out period ends, allowing athletes who have switched schools to become eligible for postseason competition. Based on current projections, the first round of playoff games or bowl matchups is expected to commence around November 13, setting the stage for a high‑stakes conclusion to the campaign.