New football season excuse for excitement

Published 9:04 pm Tuesday, August 25, 2009

You would think walking on the sidelines of football fields covering high school games for nearly 40 years would get old.

But, for me, it doesn’t and I am as excited about the new football season as many of the players.

I love the bands, the crowds, cheerleaders, players and just about all that is associated with high school football.

I have to admit I don’t care for rain games or for games when the temperature drops below freezing.

But I’ll weather the rain and the cold because being around youngsters on Friday nights helps keep me young at heart. I’ll bet many of you feel the same way.

Thursday night, the Panthers of Jemison High School will host Chilton County High School.

Friday night, the Rebels of Thorsby High School will host Verbena High School.

Both games this week feature cross-county rivals and should provide an exciting way to kick off the 2009 high school season.

The players, coaches, band members and cheerleaders have been working out in 90-plus degree weather getting ready for the season and have certainly earned my admiration for their dedication and work ethic. I wish both teams the best this season.

At the same time, I want to pause to thank others who make high school football possible in Jemison and Thorsby.

Those who work in concession stands year after year rarely have an opportunity to see a game but are very much a part of the Friday night football experience.

On hot nights, they are greatly appreciated for the cold soft drinks they serve and for the hot coffee on the cold nights late in the season.

I also appreciate those who park cars, members of athletic clubs who come early to make sure the stands are in good shape and sometimes line fields off for the game, as well as those who serve as officials for the game and hold chains on the sidelines.

I appreciate the law enforcement officers who work hard to make sure we can leave stadiums quickly and safely.

I’m sure there are others I have missed, but I believe you understand my point.

It takes a lot of people to have a successful football season and all do not wear football gear.

I hope you plan to attend the games this week and will support the Rebels and the Panthers all year long.

– Mike Kelley is publisher of The North Chilton Advertiser. You can reach him at mike.kelley@

northchiltonadvertiser.com.

By Mike Kelley

You would think walking on the sidelines of football fields covering high school games for nearly 40 years would get old.

But, for me, it doesn’t and I am as excited about the new football season as many of the players. I love the bands, the crowds, cheerleaders, players and just about all that is associated with high school football.

I have to admit I don’t care for rain games or for games when the temperature drops below freezing.

But I’ll weather the rain and the cold because being around youngsters on Friday nights helps keep me young at heart. I’ll bet many of you feel the same way.

Thursday night, the Panthers of Jemison High School will host Chilton County High School. Friday night, the Rebels of Thorsby High School will host Verbena High School.