As the days grow shorter and hints of fall are in the night air, it can only mean one thing, that it won’t be long before the football stadiums in Covington County will be filled with fans, coaches and players under those beautiful Friday night lights.

Hope springs new for every football team, and it’s easily my favorite time of year.

Optimism is at its peak this time of year with every team believing that this could be their year, and it very well could be.

There is just something special about that first football game of the year. For most, it’s something that they have been waiting for past nine months. It’s a fresh start and a clean slate for the players and coaches. One surefire way to make people forget about anything that happened badly the past year, is to come out and play like champions.

After I spoke with coaches and players for this upcoming season, it’s clear that there is a hunger and a passion to strap on the pads and hit the gridiron.

For the seniors, it could be their very last first game of the season. I’m sure most of them understand that, but it’s something I hope that truly take the time to enjoy. Soak in the lights, soak in the crowd and soak in the camaraderie of your teammates.

For the juniors and younger players, don’t forget to bask it in as well, take everything in because this will be one of the most memorable times of your life. I’m not saying that football is one of the most important things in life, because simply put, it’s not.

What I’m saying is that the bonds forged through football can be extremely important in life, and the feelings of being successful on the field can lead you to wanting those same successful feelings in life.

It’s not just about the wins and losses, it’s about learning life lessons through a game.

Don’t misconstrue that with winning not being important, because if it weren’t we wouldn’t keep score.

As players, just remember to take some time to just enjoy the moment. Life passes by quickly, and for most of the players out there your football career will only last a few more seasons, and for the seniors, just a few more games.

Play each game like it’s state championship, play it with heart, play it with passion and play it the right way.