The weather remains hot, but in less than two weeks, stadium lights will brighten the night skies across Cullman County for the kickoff of another high school football season.

Teams will enter the season with high hopes — a chance at making the playoff or revenge on an old foe from last year — that will be decided throughout the fall.

While school and football seasons start much earlier than years past, the gathering of teams, bands, cheerleaders and fans in hometown stadiums is still considered one of fall’s greatest events across the South, and particularly in Alabama. In fact, many people ponder the beginning of football season, including that played at the college level, throughout the year, analyzing the potential of their favorite teams and players.

The first games are scheduled Aug. 23, a Thursday night, but after that most will play Fridays.

Before you decide to settle in at home after a week of work, consider packing the stands at the area’s stadiums to support the football players, band members, cheerleaders, coaches and our local schools.

Throughout the summer these students have practiced long hours to represent their communities well. Their hard work deserves the support of not only parents and fellow students, but everyone who is proud to call this area home.

Additionally, The Cullman Times is taking its long tradition of publishing a football preview section to a new level this year and publishing “2018 Football Preview” in a glossy-magazine format.

This keepsake edition showcasing area high school teams, cheerleaders and bands is scheduled to debut Wednesday, Aug. 22. A lot of work, cooperation and enthusiasm has gone into this new publication and thanks to everyone for the assistance in making it happen, especially school administrators, coaches, band directors, cheerleading sponsors and many local businesses who have purchased advertising in the magazine.

Through our commitment of providing our audience coverage of local schools and students, we have found a dedicated group of young people and teachers working to make our communities proud.

So, count the days, and then let’s fill the stadiums for some old-fashioned Southern-styled fun.