Can you feel it?

Are you aching for it?

Have you started to set out your favorite team’s gear?

I’m talking about football of course.

As this summer scorches by at a rapid pace, the start of football will be here before you know it.

This month, local teams will start competing in their 7-on-7 competitions while keeping their workout routines.

The All-Star week, which will take place from July 15-19, puts a halt on all sports activities, whether it be workouts, 7-on-7s, etc.

So, if one were to look at it, football is closer than you think.

For me, I’m anxiously awaiting the opportunity to travel to different games on Friday nights each week.

Like every year, we’re publishing a special preseason football magazine that highlights each team in our county.

I usually wait until the start of this month to get going on this project.

Not this year.

I started to compile information and hold interviews with players about two weeks ago because of the upcoming 2013 16-18 Babe Ruth Baseball World Series, which will take place Aug. 15-22.

My deadline to have the magazine done is the day after the series begins.

While baseball and softball are still in full swing, the thought of football will never leave players and fans minds.

Fall practice begins on Aug. 5 and will be here before you can say Paul Bear Bryant.

More than two-and-a-half weeks later, the first preseason games will take place.

A week after that, the start of the regular season for high school. College starts a week later and then the NFL begins soon after that.

So, to put it short, football is coming, and it’s getting closer with each passing day.