4:32 p.m.

Wow! Jackson receiver Ray Portello just made an impressive running one-handed catch on a deep route in between two defenders during a passing drill.

It was one of many fine grabs made by T-Wolves receivers. Looks like QB Andy Gay will have plenty of talented targets to throw to this season.

Jackson’s first game is a non-league clash against Stanwood. That should be an entertaining season-opener because both teams are expected to be among the best in their respective divisions.

Alright, it’s time to pack up my portable office (laptop, green camping chair, digital camera, audio recorder, etc.) and drive to nearby Archbishop Murphy, my last stop of the day.

*****

4:14 p.m.

Jackson pride

I just heard a team trainer and a football player talking on the sidelines about Jackson alum Travis Snider, the former Timberwolves star who just got called up by the Toronto Blue Jays.

Snider is supposed to play right field for Toronto the rest of the season. He was 2-for-3 with a home run Tuesday in his first game since getting promoted from Triple-A Las Vegas.

Brent Lillibridge, another Jackson alum, is also in the majors. He plays for the White Sox.

*****

3:40 p.m.

Heat? … What heat?

Sure, it’s 85 degrees in Mill Creek (and getting hotter) but Jackson quarterback Andy Gay said it’s not bothering him.

“We can handle any climate,” the third-year starter said at the start of practice. “It’s just going to help us get in better condition. I’d rather have it hot out here than 30 degrees and raining.”

Give it a few months, Andy, and you’ll get your frigid weather nightmare, also known as late fall in Snohomish County.

A summer packed with intense workouts helped prepare the T-Wolves for practicing in this intense heat.

“We’re doing fine out here,” Gay said, “because we’ve been doing conditioning five days a week throughout the whole offseason. We’re definitely in shape because that’s what our offense is pretty much based on, just hurry up and get down the field.”