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A team scrimmage is scheduled for Saturday at the 14th Street practice field beginning at 8 a.m.
"This is going to be a full scrimmage with live hitting. We hope to run anywhere from 90 to 110 plays," Schneider said. "Anyone is welcome to come out and watch. It will probably run about two hours long."
Schneider said the team will gradually get into the flow of things during the opening week of practices.
"We're going to take it slow for the first three or four days," Schneider said. "There will be a lot of teaching and getting the kids to learn some new things."
Monday's first session went well. The weather, which was overcast and breezy with some light rain, more than cooperated.
"I was shocked with the weather. I never thought it would be the way it was," Schneider said. "The kids learned a lot. Our seniors did a good job being leaders. We lucked out with the weather and had their attention the entire time. As long as they get better each day, that's all you can ask."
Washington football held two weeks of camp during the summer, which got the ball rolling in the right direction leading up to Monday's practice opener.
"We have a good group of kids. There are kids out there who we expect to play big roles on Friday nights this year," Schneider said. "We're always looking for kids to step up. Our two weeks of camp helped. We just have to get them in the swing of things. Once they learn how to practice, everything else takes care of itself."
Washington should be solid in the skill positions. Leading the way is returning quarterback Justin Hinni.
"We have a lot of skill players. We're always hoping for linemen to step up and show us something," Schneider said. "We have a good idea about who will play where, but a lot of positions are open."
Overall depth should be a strength for the Blue Jays.
"We hope to start 22 different guys. We'll see how that plays out," Schneider said. "We still want our guys to know both sides of the ball."
Washington will play its jamboree Saturday, Aug. 22, at CBC beginning at 11 a.m.
Ironically, the Blue Jays' first opponent in the jamboree will be Parkway West, now led by former WHS coach Jeff Duncan.
Washington also will take on Riverview Gardens and Marquette in the jamboree.
The Blue Jays open the season Aug. 28 at Ft. Zumwalt North. The home opener is Sept. 4 against Warrenton.
