Took a few weeks off this summer but now, as my fifth grade teacher used to remind  us during the first few weeks back that school year, it's time to clean the sand from my ears, put away the flip flops and get back to work.

The 2012 High School Football Season officially begins with the start of conditioning this week.

Per CIAC rules:
 
For schools that DO NOT CONDUCT SPRING FOOTBALL PRACTICE:
Conditioning: Aug. 15
First practice: Aug. 21
For schools that CONDUCT SPRING FOOTBALL PRACTICE:
Conditioning: Aug. 20
First practice: Aug. 25

Here's what I learned this summer on the state high school football scene:

HAND RB/LB Matt Walsh committed to UCONN 

Ansonia's Nolan Athletic Complex vandalized

UCONN's Casey Cochran sidelined with broken thumb

Rico Brogna resigns after one season at Notre Dame-Fairfield

Hyde coach Melvin Wells returns to position after being cleared of wrongdoing in alleged incident with student

Our friends from the NVL blog reported that Sacred Heart WR David Coggins, who committed to play at Boston College, transferred to Naugatuck, and that Pat Russo is OUT as head coach at Wilby. Read about these stories here.

Starting on Tuesday at this blog, I'll begin to preview the 2012 season with my What To Look For (W2L4) feature. I'll give you some information about teams, leagues, players and games to watch this year.