Monday was the first official day of fall practice for high school football teams around the state. Baldwin area teams hit the practice field amid sweltering heat that reached 102 degrees in some parts of the county. The heat index climbed to 124 degrees near mid day, according to weather reports.

The Gulf Shores Dolphins, under the direction of second-year head coach Mark Freeman, hit the practice field for the first time on Monday morning.

The Dolphins are looking to build on the success they had last season, finishing with a school best 9-3 record. The Dolphins picked up their first post season victory as well, defeating Tallassee on the road in the first round of the 5A playoffs.

Gulf Shores will play at Foley in a pre-season jamboree game at Ivan Jones Stadium on August 20.