Mercer Island High School varsity football players roll through practice on Aug. 26. Pictured are quarterback Spencer Kornblum, head coach DJ Mims and other coaches and players. The Islanders will open their season at 7 p.m. on Sept. 2 versus Seattle Prep at West Seattle Stadium. Their first home game will take place at 7 p.m. on Sept. 9 against Auburn. In other upcoming Islander sporting events, boys and girls cross country will participate in a KingCo multi-team meet at 4 p.m. on Sept. 1 at Marymoor Park, girls soccer will host Issaquah at 7:30 p.m. on Sept. 6 and volleyball will travel to Issaquah at 7 p.m. on Sept. 6. Staff photos by Andy Nystrom