The preliminaries are over. It’s time for the real deal.

The high school football previews and final scrimmages were held this past weekend. With the preseason practices complete, teams will focus on upcoming opponents as they open the 2006 season Friday.

Ironton outscored Portsmouth West 4-1 in its scrimmage.

The Ohio Valley Conference held its annual preview at Coal Grove High School.

In two quarters, Rock Hill topped South Point 19-7, Chesapeake edged Fairland 7-0 and Coal Grove blanked River Valley 13-0.

Fans will get an up-close look at their favorite local teams on paper when The Ironton Tribune publishes its annual high school football preview section Thursday.

This year’s section will be published in a tabloid size instead of full newspaper broadsheet as in the past.

Additional invidual souvenir sections will be available at the Tribune business office.