There’s no qualms about it — the Statesboro football season didn’t end the way anyone had planned last year.

            A first round playoff loss to Bainbridge sent home the Blue Devils long before they had planned, and it was a disappointing end to a hopeful season.

            Monday, however, SHS seemed to be fully recovered from the setback. The leadership that was so desperately needed in 2007 is now a strong suit in 2008.

            “That started off, really, after last year — after Bainbridge,” said coach Steve Pennington Monday evening after practice. “We feel we have a very special senior group. They exhibited that by the way they participated this summer. That’s the anticipation we’ve had since I’ve been here — and our seniors have led the way.”

            Monday was the first official fall workout for the team after Friday was used for team pictures. It was an intense and emotional workout and it was also the first day of school in Bulloch County. Pennington said he was pleased given all the variables.

            “We really had a pretty doggone good day,” said Pennington. “In the event that school started — there a lot of anxieties that go along with the first day of school. But we were where we were supposed to be, when we were supposed to be and anytime you do that on the first day of practice that’s a good start.”

            Statesboro has 24 days until the season opener against Josey at home. They’ll scrimmage Bradwell Institute in Hinesville on August 15, an unofficial halfway point of fall camp.

            “We have a number of players — and this is a good thing — when it comes to ability, we have a lot of them that are on even keel,” Pennington added. “What’s important for us is to make sure we find the right ones and get them in the right position.

            “We feel there’s a number of players that has to contribute each and every night. We don’t have a lot that may be standing out well above someone else. So with that ability all kind of even, we’re going to have to look at some things where we’re working some players on both sides of the football.”

            Statesboro will go to full pads on Wednesday and open the season August 29.

            Chad Bishop can be reached at (912) 489-9408.