TIFTON — The Georgia High School Association’s second “dead week” ended Monday and area high schools were back to work for fall sports.

Football still has one more milestone to go in its preparations. Players still cannot wear pads until July 29. Still, the days are getting closer to seeing teams in action.

Scrimmages have been set for many schools in Region 1-6A.

Lowndes will be one of the first, playing at defending Class 6A state champions Thomas County Central on Aug. 2.

TCC, undefeated last year, moved down to Class 5A in the GHSA’s reclassification cycle, which dropped Class 7A and makes 6A the largest class.

Valdosta also plays its scrimmage on the 2nd, hosting Cook at 8 p.m. The Hornets were an 11-3 squad to VHS’ 8-4. Cook reached the AA semifinals, where they were toppled by Rockmart. The ‘Cats fell in the second round of state in 7A.

One week after the scrimmage, the Vikings play the Crimson and White scrimmage at Martin Stadium on Aug. 9.

Elsewhere in Region 1-6A, Colquitt County will scrimmage Aug. 2 at home against Bainbridge.

Tift County, under new head coach Jeff Littleton, hosts Brooks County on Aug. 9.

Most schools in Georgia will start their regular season Aug. 16.