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Here we are yet again on the cusp of another football season. It seems like last season only just ended. Now it is time for new teams to step out under the bright stadium lights and aim to be at Bryant-Denny Stadium in December.

The high school football season is a treasured time of year and is often referred to as a way of life, particularly in the South. The sport is deeply ingrained into our communities, and many people probably wouldn’t know what to do with themselves without football season. It makes the week leading up to the big game exciting. It stirs conversation between strangers and gives county rivals something to brag about until the following season. Football brings people from all walks of life together to cheer on their team and builds a sense of unity in our communities.

This season, two Marengo County teams are under new management. Demopolis has a new head coach (and an almost completely new coaching staff) in Lance Tucker, and the A.L. Johnson Eagles have Migeual Catlin stepping into the head coach position. For these new coaches, the summer was spent getting to know their players on a personal level and learning what needed to be tweaked for the upcoming season.

But football season isn’t just about the teams and winning the state championship. A lot of people come together to make the season a success. Families come out in droves to support their football player, cheerleader, or band member. They spend money on school apparel and on gas to make those two-hour drives for away games. Police officers secure the stadiums and safely escort our young athletes to and from games. Athletic trainers and paramedics are always on hand and always prepared for any injuries that might occur. So even though the young men on the field are the ones playing every down and scoring points, a successful football season is truly a community effort. Everyone is involved.

So, to our area teams, the Demopolis Tigers, Sweet Water Bulldogs, Linden Patriots, Marengo Panthers, and A.L. Johnson Eagles, and the communities behind them, stay safe and good luck during the 2023 season!