By Andy Walter

Taking the field for the first day of preseason football practice is hardly new territory for Chip Knapp.

But starting the year as a high school coach definitely is something different for the former Wesley College coach.

“I’ve learned more football in the past couple months than I have in a long time,” said Knapp, who has been a coach for over 30 years.

The first-year Dover High coach was hardly the only person with a few things to learn on Friday, though, as a handful of Delaware high schools opened football camp.

The programs given permission to start early were the ones who play their season openers on the first weekend in September.

Caesar Rodney’s players were out in their stadium on Friday because they open their schedule on Sept. 2 by hosting Hodgson.

A year ago at this time it looked like there wasn’t even going to be a fall sports season in Delaware because of the pandemic.

On Friday, not only were the players getting ready for a season, they weren’t even required to wear masks.

“Last year we weren’t sure if the season was even happening,” said Riders senior lineman Art Smith. “We didn’t have access to a gym. But now we’ve got the weight room, we have workouts every day. It’s a lot better preparation this year.

“It was nice to have a season last year, even if it was a little shorter. It’s definitely a lot better now that we know the season is starting now, we’ve got to get ready. It’s our time.”

Of course, the big difference in the state’s high school football world this fall is that there is now a three-tiered alignment. It is based on both enrollment and the program’s recent football success.

Both the Senators and CR are still aligned with Henlopen North schools Cape Henlopen, Smyrna and Sussex Central in Class 3A’s District 2. But the five-game, non-conference part of their schedules is expected to be more consistently difficult.

Dover opens its season on Sept. 3 at Arundel, Md.

“I personally love the competition,” said Dover senior lineman Byron Evans. “I can’t wait.”

“We know it’s going to be a lot harder schedule this year so we’re getting a lot more prepared for that,” said CR senior running back Nate Waite. “We’re excited to play some good teams.”

Senator tight end Elijah Sessoms goes into the season having just verbally committed to Delaware. Like other players in his position, that gives the senior a little more peace of mind.

“It’s pretty exciting,” said Sessoms. “It relieved a lot of stress off my shoulders. It allows me to just come out and have fun my senior year.

“Having to go out and see colleges and see who wants you and see where you want to go, all that. ... that decision is a big decision.”

Of course, every team, player and coach goes into the season with a certain amount of optimism.

It’s not too difficult to be excited about the sport when you haven’t lost any games or seen players get injured.

Having his players all together on the field, their yellow helmets shining in the bright sun, was a good sight for Riders’ coach Dan Candeloro.

“The first day (of camp) is the best day of summer,” he said. “We look forward to this every year. The paperwork comes in and you deal with all that stuff. But when you finally get on the field, it’s like, ‘Ahh, here we are.’ Now we can start playing the game. That’s always a good feeling.

“It’s nice to have a real scheduled preseason and everything falling into place. And it’s just great to see all the kids out. The number of kids across the state that are playing today or next week, it’s going to be great to see.”

A year ago, Knapp was the head coach at Wesley. With the school’s athletic department now closed, he’s learning some of the differences between coaching college and high school football.

The Senators say the change to a new coaching staff hasn’t been a problem.

“I’m not going to lie, the transition has been smooth,” said Evans. “I feel like everything is going to be really, really good this year. The summer has been great with the new coaching staff.”

“I’m excited to see his plan,” said Sessoms. “I’m excited to see the results this season.”

For Knapp, known for his expertise with offense at Wesley, the new job has meant learning more about coaching defense. It’s also meant learning more about the administrative side of high school football.

But he said he’s excited to see how this all works out.

“It’s been a challenge just getting the coaching staff established and getting everyone on the same page,” said Knapp. “It’s a process. It doesn’t happen overnight.

“But I’m enjoying it. It’s fun and the kids are great. I’m glad I’m here.”