Fall Sports Season Begins Across the Eastern Shore
The Maryland Public Secondary Schools Athletic Association has officially opened the doors to the fall high school sports season, marking the start of tryouts and practice sessions that began on August 11 across the state.
Athletes in football, soccer, field hockey and volleyball are now gearing up for their first competitive matchups, with the opening games slated for the first week of September. The schedule promises a busy slate of contests that will showcase the talent and rivalry within the Bayside South conference.
Football teams will open their season on September 4 with a series of contests that pit James M. Bennett against Colonel Richardson, Delmar versus Parkside, Laurel against Stephen Decatur, Washington taking on Northampton, and Wicomico facing Snow Hill. Each of these matchups is expected to draw strong community support.
In boys’ soccer, the September 4 slate features Wicomico versus Parkside and Washington versus James M. Bennett, while the girls’ side will see Stephen Decatur host Wicomico, Snow Hill meet Mardela, and Parkside square off against James M. Bennett.
Field hockey action kicks off on September 4 with Easton taking on Parkside, and continues on September 8 when Kent County travels to face James M. Bennett.
Volleyball teams will also begin play on September 4, with Easton hosting James M. Bennett, Kent Island meeting Parkside, and a host of other contests involving Mardela, Queen Anne’s, and Snow Hill throughout the opening week.
A Busy September Ahead
The MPSSAA has organized these events under the Bayside South umbrella, providing a structured framework that aligns teams from across Wicomico and surrounding counties. Detailed game schedules have been released, giving families and fans a clear view of the upcoming season.
Fans can mark their calendars for a series of early September dates that will set the tone for the season, with each sport’s first games spread across multiple days to accommodate the diverse roster of teams.
Local schools and municipalities have expressed enthusiasm for the return of competitive athletics, citing the positive effects on student health, school spirit, and community cohesion.