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.

Via press release


Rico Brogna, 41, has been named as the new Head Football Coach at Notre Dame-Fairfield. He will be officially announced at a press conference tomorrow, June 1st, at 10:30 am at the school.

"I am thrilled to be a part of the Notre Dame family. There is a very strong tradition and history here at Notre Dame and I am excited to help return Notre Dame football to the level of success the school expects it to be. I want to thank Notre Dame's President, Fr. Bill Sangiovanni, Principal, Chris Cipriano and Athletic Director, Rob Bleggi for giving me this opportunity to be the Head Football Coach at Notre Dame. I am humbled and honored to have this job at one of the finest schools in the state of Connecticut," said Brogna.

"I am absolutely thrilled at the prospect of having Rico Brogna as part of the Notre Dame athletic staff," former principal and current Notre Dame president, Fr. Bill Sangiovanni said.

"I am thrilled to be welcoming Rico Brogna to the Notre Dame family. Rico understands the importance of success of our student-athletes both in the classroom and on the football field. He recognizes the importance of hard work, goal-setting, and academic excellence. Not only will his background as a professional athlete serve to better our team, but more importantly, he will serve as an outstanding role model for our students," said Principal Chris Cipriano.

"As the Athletic Director, I am very excited that Rico Brogna will be the new Head Football Coach at Notre Dame. His character, coaching skills and leadership is exactly what we are looking for as we build Notre Dame football for the future. Not only will he be an asset to our football program but to the school as a whole," said Athletic Director, Rob Bleggi.