The Junction City Blue Jay football team practiced outdoors for one hour Monday and then moved indoors to the Shenk Gym. A heat protocol followed by the school district and recommended by the Kansas State High School Activities Association was the reason for the limit on the outdoor portion of the practice.

Coach Randall Zimmerman said the team could only be outdoors for an hour and then moved inside where they participated in some walk-throughs. “Tough time of year to have it ( heat limit ) because you’re teaching so much and you need space, the timing and all that kind of stuff.” Zimmerman said the players and coaches did a good job with the requirement. There will only be one hour allowed outdoors on Tuesday as well due to the heat protocol.

A total of 136 players checked out gear on Monday and another 10-15 have expressed interest and could report in the next few days. Zimmerman said they could end up with nearly 145 players.

The team will hold their first public scrimmage this Saturday from 8 a.m. to about 11:15. The Blue Jays will then participate in a picnic afterward.