DAPHNE, Ala. — The Bayside Admirals reported for duty at Freedom Field Monday and went to work getting ready for 2013.

Head coach Phil Lazenby said the first practice went well. His 3A team takes to the road Aug. 30 to start the season at 5A Charles Henderson.

The Trojans edged Bayside on their Daphne campus last year and the Admirals are eager for a payback visit to Troy, Lazenby said. “They are excited and even though it’s not a region game, they know it’s a big game for us and will give us a good read on where we are as a football team. Charles Henderson always has talent and always has good depth. We have very good talent, but we don’t go very deep and that comes with the territory of being a small school. But these guys are scrappy and have a lot of heart. They will play to win, but no matter what, we will use that experience to get ready for the region games ahead. So, yes, it’s a tough opener, but a good test as well as good preparation.”

The Trojans are coached by former Fairhope player and coach Mike Dean who also coached at McGill-Toolen Catholic. The Admirals will also have some Pirate swagger onboard this year as former Fairhope head coach Mark Lasseter joins the Bayside coaching staff.

Bayside will open their 3A Region 1 schedule Sept. 6 hosting Excel High at 7 p.m. The Admirals will play up in all three of their non-region contests playing against perennial 4A powerhouse UMS-Wright Sept. 27 in Mobile and hosting 5A Satsuma Nov. 1.