It’s once again time for some good ol’ Mississippi football. and I, for one, am so grateful.
Granted, it does not feel like football season yet, but it sure does give me hope that some cooler Autumn days are right around the corner.
Before we know it, we will all be complaining about how cold we are. Well, after the record-breaking hot summer we have had, it might take a little longer this year to get to the point of actually complaining about low temps.
Whatever the case, I am just so excited that football season is finally here.
In fact, this past weekend, a few Mississippi high schools even had their yearly jamborees and showcases to open the 2026-27 season. A few other schools cancelled their openers, opting to wait one more week and hope for cooler temps this weekend.
That strategy may or may not pay off, because the forecast for Friday night, August 28, still appears to be well above average for most of Mississippi.
But don’t let the predicted heat be a deterrent in supporting your favorite high school football players. Go ahead and make plans now to attend those local games. Just dress cooly, take some bug spray, and make sure to have plenty of cool water on hand, as you cheer on your chosen team.
I plan to take my portable fan and those nice little neck cooling devices as well, just in case my love for the game is outweighed by a miserably muggy Mississippi August Friday night.
If you are not sure about the season schedule for your favorite high school team, go online to the official school directory of the Mississippi High School Activities Association (www.misshsaa.com) and look up your particular high school for details on upcoming games. Or go to Facebook and find your school’s page for details on upcoming school activities. Better yet, ask a local high school athlete for details, and give that kid some encouragement while you are at it.
Most of all, just make sure to go out and support our Mississippi student athletes this weekend. Let them know that, despite the heat, their efforts are noticed and valued. Let them see you and hear your support coming from those stands this Friday night.
But also remember what Coach Tony Dudik of Bishop LeBlond High School in St. Joseph, Missouri, once said, “Football is a terrific vehicle to impart important life lessons. The scoreboard is there for a reason, but it’s not the most important thing.”
The players are the most important part of any high school football game. So, support them with your attendance, your words, and your actions.
