The featured story in the Weekend sports section focused on the baseball games that Chilton County and Jemison will be playing Monday, but there’s oh-so-much more to spring sports than baseball.

And that’s why it’s my favorite sports season. Well, at least one of the reasons.

Also on the slate for this week is soccer, softball and tennis. Chilton County’s soccer team has already played two matches, and its third, and first at home, will be Thursday when Shades Mountain visits. The program continues to make strides—this year the Tigers have their largest ever senior class including two players, Hunter Bennett and Noe Chavez, who have a chance to go on and play in college.

Billingsley’s softball team will travel to Indian Springs on Tuesday, as well.

Then, on Thursday, one of the county’s best-kept secrets will begin its season. Jemison tennis has enjoyed state championships in the past and remarkable success under coach Benton Morton, and the Panthers get their 2010 campaign underway by hosting one of their rivals, St. James out of Montgomery.

Jemison had one of its best seasons under Mortonlast year, but 2010 will feature many new faces out on the courts.

Of course, baseball begins Monday. Jemison will host both LAMP and Stanhope Elmore on opening day, and Verbena will visit Thorsby.

Chilton County and Isabella will be playing away from home, and Maplesville doesn’t begin its season until Tuesday.

There are always plenty of competitive baseball and softball teams in the county, and this year should be no different.

There’s something for everyone during the spring sports season (I haven’t even mentioned track and field and golf).

My other favorite part of the season, though, is the chance to get outside and enjoy some nice weather.

With high temperatures this week forecasted only as warm as the mid-50s, we might have to wait to enjoy that aspect of the spring. Oh well, let’s zip up our jackets and head to the ballpark.