With classes resuming this week on all Escalon Unified School District campuses, the fall sports season for the high school squads isn’t far behind.

In fact, football kicks off with a scrimmage scheduled at Engel Field on Friday night, Aug. 12.

Action is scheduled for 5 p.m. and 7 p.m. and the schedule for the football Cougars has them hosting the Gregori Jaguars, with competition slated for freshmen, JV and varsity. Andrew Beam returns as head coach for the varsity team and has also taken over as the high school’s new Athletic Director. Look for a feature story with the new AD in the Aug. 17 issue of The Times.

After starting the season with the home scrimmage, the JV and varsity teams will travel to Reno, Nevada for a game against the Damonte Ranch Mustangs on Friday, Aug. 19.

Trans-Valley League play starts with Homecoming against the Hughson Huskies on Friday, Sept. 16.

Volleyball players will be on the court for the GEBO Scrimmage, set for Saturday, Aug. 13 in Merced, with freshmen, JV and varsity all competing. A scrimmage at Pleasant Grove in Elk Grove will see all three levels on the road on Wednesday, Aug. 17 and the varsity only will take part in the Orestimba Tournament on Saturday, Aug. 20. Teresa Williamson returns to lead the varsity volleyball team.

Both the varsity football and volleyball teams come in to the season as defending Section champions.

Cross Country starts with the traditional Purple and Gold intrasquad competition on Wednesday, Aug. 17 and the Cougars travel to the Calaveras County Fairgrounds for the Frogtown Scrimmage on Aug. 30. Michael Bower is the head coach this season.

Girls Golf begins with a match on the road at Sonora on Aug. 23, with a home match hosting Waterford on Aug. 25. Martin Louro will be the head coach for the squad.