As a low fog hangs over the field, water sprays up from the grass that has been untouched all summer. Linemen dig in; receivers glide as if floating on top of the grass; and the coach’s whistle signals an error. Or maybe a much-needed water break.

The fall sports season officially got underway on Whidbey Wednesday, when high school atheletes were allowed to practice for the first time. Both the Oak Harbor and Coupeville football teams begin their respective season at home on Sept. 2.

Coupeville Coach Ron Bagby said that he has 40 people out this year, which is about average for what he usually has. The small numbers usually mean that his players sometimes have to play both offense and defense. Something he says he is unsure can happen this year.

“We’ve got some new linemen that have got to prove themselves,” he said. “I’m not so sure we can do that at this point.”

Bagby said he has a lot of skill position players returning this year. Quarterback Mike Bagby is returning. The seasoned slinger will pull double duty. Last year, he was named first-team all-league at defensive back.

Senior J.J. Marti also is back this year. He is also following up an all-league year last year. He led the Wolves in rushing with 625 yards and eight touchdowns, while coming in second on the team in tackles with 64.

Ron Bagby said that even though the team has only had two days of practice, he is excited for the season. He said the offense is coming together, but new players are requiring some adjustments.

“In a small school, you have to develop your offense around the kids you have,” Bagby said. “You adjust your offense to the talent you have.”

Oak Harbor looks to build on the strength they finished with last year. The ‘Cats missed the state playoffs after a hard-fought loss to Bethel.

Coach Dave Ward said that this year’s senior class is not that large, and he will be looking to returning juniors for leadership.

“I’m hoping the juniors will step up and play like seniors,” he said.”Since they’ve already been in the battles, they need to show the other guys.”

Among those juniors is quarterback Marshall Lobbestael.

Last year’s team started the season 0-2. Ward said that the team can go deeper into the playoffs by going for the early wins. But there will be some stiff competition.

“There’s going to be good teams up and down,” Ward said. “It’s going to be close and competitive, but we just need to take each week as it comes.

Ward said his team will be ready.

“The enthusiasm’s here,” he said. “The players are working hard and getting in shape.”

You can reach News-Times reporter Eric Berto at eberto@whidbeynewstimes.com