The hours are long, hot and grueling. The pay? Forget it. They’re amateurs.

What sounds like the worst job in the world is one of the best for high school football players in the midst of preseason camp two-a-day workouts.

After a conditioning period, players donned shoulder pads and helmets for practices. Full contact is next on the agenda.

“Everything is a progression. We do everything in steps and right now were right on schedule,” said Ironton coach Bob Lutz. “The pace should pick up this week.”

Hot temperatures can help get players in better shape, but excessive heat becomes a danger and usually coaches back off in practices to alter their times.

Temperatures are expected to be in the mid to upper 90s this week.

“I’ll probably have to adjust our practice schedule,” said Coal Grove coach Dave Lucas. “We usually go from 9 to 11 in the morning and 1 to 3 in the afternoon. We might have to go later in the afternoon.”

Even with the adversity that plagues preseason football practices, players seem to battle through the heat.

Chesapeake coach Phil Davis is happy with outlook and attitude of his squad that features more than 40 players.

“This is a good group to work with. They’re very enjoyable. They’re making our work a lot easier,” said Davis.

The Ohio High School Athletic Associations allows teams to conduct their first scrimmages on Tuesday.

The state will permit jamboree games again this year, but the games must be held the week before the opening of the regular season.

Because of the rule change, the Ohio Valley Conference will hold its annual preview Saturday at Coal Grove High School.

The preview will be held Saturday at Coal Grove High School. Each game will consists of two quarters.

Here is the schedule: 6 p.m. Rock Hill vs. Fairland; 7:00 South Point vs. River Valley; 8:00 Chesapeake vs. Coal Grove.

Admission is $5.