Opening Drive (Aug. 6): School's back

We were all used to being on the road without buses for a couple of months. Well, that all went out the window in several places on Monday. The beginning of the school year means teams are mostly reverting to afternoon practices for the remainder of the preseason. Catch up on stories from around the region as round two of scrimmages awaits this week:

Dandy Dozen: Ravenwood’s Graham Barton grows into offensive line as three-year starter | Tennessean (subscription content)

Dandy Dozen: Brentwood Academy’s Devyn Curtis takes on leadership for four-time defending state champs | Tennessean (subscription content)

Dandy Dozen: Ole Miss commitment De’Arre McDonald didn’t play football until eighth grade | Tennessean (subscription content)

Moving up the Dandy Dozen list, three players who all have eyes on a state championship. Two of them are seeking to help defend theirs.

6 high school athletes to watch in 2019-20 | Daily News Journal

Rutherford County produces plenty of top athletes. You don’t need us to tell you that. But here are a half-dozen to keep an eye on this school year.

Summit’s Jaylen Herrud will join Navy for post-high school football career | Franklin Home Page

Herrud will be a key contributor for the Spartans, who hope to better last year’s playoff finish.

Key Portland football dates to know | Portland Sun

The Panthers reached the 4A playoffs last season.