In past high school seasons, the summer used to be a time for The News-Herald sports department to take a break.

That's no longer the case. With the addition of the second annual News-Herald Senior Bowl, there's no time to rest, and that's fine by me. As sports editor of The News-Herald, these days provide much down time when it comes to high school sports.

In the week leading up to the all-star football game, we'll have video, photos and stories previewing the contest, which will be played June 22 at Mentor's Jerome T. Osbourne Stadium. If you couldn't make it last year because of a graduation party, we've switched the game from a Saturday to a Friday, so mark your calendar.

Also, Bill Tilton will be hosting a kickoff show for the N-H Senior bowl on Monday, June 11 at Hooley House. The show begins at 7 p.m. Coaches, players and anyone else associated with the game are invited to attend.

When the Senior Bowl is over, it won't be long - July 30 to be exact - before area high school football teams begin practice for the 2012 season.

That doesn't give us much time for a breather, but that's the way we like at The News-Herald sports department.

- Mark Podolski | @mpodo