High school football teams all over the state have held their first official day of practice. And the Archdale-Trinity area was no exception. However, the big difference is this: Two football teams. Two head coaches. Two mascots. One stadium.

Wheatmore High School will not be ready for occupancy at the start of the school year, according to the Randolph County Board of Education. Students and faculty temporarily will be housed on the Trinity High School campus and that includes the football program, for now.

Wheatmore and Trinity will alternate use of the ’Dog Pit each week.

The Warrior football team has already set up camp in Bulldog territory, using the softball and baseball areas behind the cafeteria to prepare for the 2009 season.

“It is a new challenge for Randolph County, but it is one that can be met,” said Randolph County Schools Athletic Director Donnie Baxter. Randleman High School and Providence Grove did not have to share facilities.

According to Doug Tuggle, THS athletic director, “Wheatmore will use the visitor side of the field house. For locker rooms, they will use the PE locker room. Another trailer may be brought in to use for WHS locker rooms.”

Both schools face challenges.

“There are always difficulties in transition,” said WHS Principal Darryl Barnes. “This is going to be challenging for both schools.”

Should the field become ready during the season, Barnes and Baxter added that it is undecided if games would be moved to the new facility mid-season.

Nevertheless, the football program at both schools is in full swing.

For the Warriors, no senior class means no senior football players.

The Bulldogs, however, will take the field with 31 varsity players with 23 experienced seniors. Coach Alex Mebane, with 27 years of coaching under his belt, is confident that his team is ready for 2009.

“I expect our senior class to lead us to a winning season this year as well as a berth in the playoffs,” said Mebane. “Anything less than that would be a major disappointment to all of us.”

With 29 years of coaching experience, Warriors Coach Eugene Everhart also has faith in his players. “We hope to qualify for the playoffs and finish in the middle of the conference.”

Prior to this school year, Trinity was organized under the 3A conference division. Student enrollment dictates which division a school is classified under and now both Wheatmore and Trinity are 2A.

This could affect athletic funding to some extent. There are no state funds allotted for athletics. However, there are some county funds earmarked for athletics and that is based on average daily membership. The Archdale-Trinity Tax Advisory Council also contributes money to the program, however, gate receipts account for the majority of the funding, Barnes verified.

Both teams will open their season on the road on Aug. 21. The Warriors will travel to Denton to take on the South Davidson Wildcats. The Bulldogs will battle against the Panthers at Ledford High School.