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CHESAPEAKE, Ohio (WSAZ) - It’s the time of year when teams start to gear up for football season, but physical activity in this oppressive heat can be potentially dangerous.

Excessive heat warnings are in effect for much of our region, with heat index values reaching up to 105 degrees.

Players in Chesapeake, Ohio are on Phil Davis Field from 8 to 11 a.m. this week to dodge the worst of the heat.

Just about every year, we hear about players somewhere around the country suffering heatstroke during a practice or game.

“It’s always in the back of your mind,” Chesapeake head coach Todd Knipp says.

The coach says safety is the top priority.

“We try to take every precaution possible to make sure these guys are healthy, rested, and ready to go the next day, and their overall safety is taken care of,” Knipp said.

“Our trainers take plenty precautions, constantly giving us water breaks, even carrying water bottles around to make sure we’re hydrated,” Chesapeake senior Drew Plantz said.

Milton Middle School’s football team is holding conditioning drills this week. Their coach announced on their Facebook page they may move the session indoors Tuesday evening to keep players out of the heat.