Football is back in Humboldt.

The HCI Mohawks held their first practice of the 2017 season on Monday, as they get set for a new year, with a new look.

After graduating 14 players last season, and a fewer amount of Grade 12's around for the upcoming year, Head Coach Cory Popoff says they are looking forward to seeing what a younger team is capable of.

"There's some positives there, as we have a strong group in Grade 11," he said. "We don't have as many Grade 12's, but we have athletes all the way around and looking out at the practice field with the players we have, we plan on making our mark."

Popoff says that with the players they do have, it is especially important this year to make sure they are playing in the best spots for them.

"What we plan on doing is making sure we try different players out in different positions so we can find out where they fit best within our offensive and defensive structure," he explained. "We want to do that early in the season and then we will settle down for a playoff run and know who is playing where."

The regular season schedule for the Mohawks provides some early season flexibility, as the team doesn't play their first game until September 15 in Nipawin.

Popoff, who is entering his fourth year as the Mohawks sideline boss, says that having an extra week to prepare the team is a good thing.

"It is beneficial, obviously, to get more time in for our younger players to learn the game. We're fortunate to have the extra time with the way the schedule worked out and we are certainly going to take advantage of it."

He added that the players are in good hands with their coaches.

"We have many of our same coaching staff that we have had in previous years," noted Popoff. "We are also fortunate to have back Mr. Shaun Gardiner. He really couldn't wait to get back into the game of football and we are happy to have him back on our sideline."

Returning to Popoff's staff for the 2017 season is offensive coordinator Dave Rowe, defensive coordinator Tom Schwinghamer, as well as offensive assistants Mike Suchan and Tyler Bieber.

After the season opener in Nipawin, the Mohawks play their first game at home on September 22 against Melfort.