Other than the annual rivalry game pitting Chilton County against Jemison, Saturday might be the most important day of the year for the two school’s football programs.

Tiger Day and Panther Day will be held at their respective schools, bringing the opportunity for fans to see their favorite teams just before their seasons begin—and to help raise money for the programs.

Both events will include scrimmages or practice games played by the Clanton and Jemison school and youth teams at the high school stadiums.

At Tiger Day, the youth league Tiger Blue Mites will play Tiger Orange at noon. The Midgets for both leagues will play at 1 p.m., the Minors at 2:15 p.m. and the Majors at 3:30 p.m.

The CCHS junior varsity team will scrimmage at 4:45 p.m., and the varsity Tigers will scrimmage at 5:30 p.m.

All games will be played at Tiger Stadium.

“It’s a community effort,” CCHS coach Donnie Hand said. “It’s bringing the city league together with the high school teams.”

Jemison’s youth teams will play Thorsby.

The Mites will play at 10 a.m., the Midgets at 11 a.m., the Minors at noon and the Majors at 1 p.m.

Jemison Middle School will scrimmage at 2 p.m., and the varsity will scrimmage at 3:30 p.m.

All games will be played at Panther Stadium.

Jemison youth football league President Brad Jackson said Panther Day raised more than $4,000 last season for the youth, middle school and high school programs.

“The little guys get excited about being out there at the stadium, and they look forward to hanging out with the older kids,” he said. “It’s pretty neat for them.”

Both events will carry a $5 all-day admission, and concessions will be available.

At Tiger Day, children under 10 can get in for $3, and children under 5 will be admitted free of charge.