Long wait almost over

They are underway, those dreaded two-a-day practices.

And they will go on for one more week.

The Laguna Beach High football team began preseason practice Monday at Guyer Field. The Breakers have 19 days to prepare for the start of a new season, the second for Coach Jonathan Todd.

Ten of those days are “two-a-days,” practice sessions split between morning and afternoon. Although Todd called the first three days of practice this week “monotonous,” he said he’s never been more excited for a season to begin.

And he senses that in his team.

“This is the best summer I can remember,” he said. “The big thing we’ve done all spring and summer is work on fundamentals. Everyone has worked hard in the weight room, and the kids have developed a confidence in themselves that I’ve not seen before. It’s great to see.”

While the early stages of practices this week consisted of conditioning, Todd said his players got to don pads for the first time Thursday.

“I think that they’re ready to go out and hit,” he said.

Laguna welcomes back eight starters on both sides of the ball from last year’s team. In addition, there’s a new element to the Breakers in 2008.

“We have a whole new coaching staff this year,” Todd said. “Those coaches are phenomenal and so fundamentally sound. I’m really excited for the season ahead.”

Laguna opens its schedule on Sept. 5 at Coronado High. The Breakers play their first home game at Guyer Field on Sept. 20 against Piedmont.