Spring break is over for area public high schools. Softball season is over too, except for the prized few. Baseball season begins the regional playoffs for the district finalists.

Come Monday morning, it’s back to the classroom, roaming the hallways and stuffing bookbags in skinny lockers. Oh, and spring football practice starts right after the dismissal bell.

“We’re ready to get after it,” said Mariner coach Chris Siner. “The first three days we will go out and see what condition everyone is in.”

The Tritons have to plug new people into only a few positions on offense and defense.

“We don’t have any transfers in, unlike some other schools,” Siner said. “We have some JV players and freshmen back that easily will replace two on defense and two on offense.”

The Tritons will be auditioning for a starting quarterback since J.T. Etnoyer transferred to Cape Coral High after last season came to a close.

“J.T. gives us a guy with 20 games under his belt as a starter,” said Seahawks coach Brad Metheny. “That will be a big help because we graduated 32 of 38 varsity players off last year’s 10-2 team that reached the regional semifinal round of the playoffs.

“We will be real green. We’re going to go real slow and establish the fundamentals and see who knows how to put on a helmet and pads the right way. Thend we will see if the kids can run and block.“

The Seahawks won’t be lacking for bodies on the field. Metheny said he expects 60 to 70 players to report for the first workout Monday. Game experience will come on the play-as-you-go plan.

The Tritons (3-7) will set out to right the ship that’s riding the wave of three straight losing seasons.

“I’m impressed with the way the kids worked in the weight room since the season ended,” said Siner. “We played a tough schedule last year, but now we will play more teams our own size. It won’t be an easier schedule. There is a lot of talent in this district.”

Most teams will commence practice at about 2:30 p.m. each day after school. Sessions for the first three days are in helmets and shorts.

Teams are allowed to wear full pads for contact drills starting on the fourth day, Thursday.

Spring games are schedules for May 19-20.