By Staff
On lighted fields throughout Michigan tonight, the 2005 high school football season will get under way.
There is no more exciting time in high school athletics than the kickoff of the high school football season.
We in southwestern lower Michigan are blessed to have several outstanding teams to follow each fall.
But high school football is more than just a couple of games a week over the span of nine weeks.
Football games are social happenings.
They are a time when families and friends gather to support their local teams.
They are a place where people who do not necessarily gather on a regular basis come and join forces to root against a common opponent.
Football games are also a place where alumni come to reconnect with their school and their communities.
So get out those foam fingers and seat cushions. Take your school shirts out of the closet and get them washed and ready to wear because football season is finally here.
Tonight as you walk through the gates at an area high school, take the time to stop and smell the aroma of fresh-cut grass, hot dogs and popcorn cooking.
Take the time to enjoy the sights of freshly-lined fields and the scoreboard lit up once again after months of standing there blank.
Take the time to listen to the sound of the high school band or the sound of the cheerleaders.
But mostly, enjoy yourself. Be proud of your school.
Our area teams open the season at home and on the road.
Dowagiac hosts Coldwater, while Niles travels to Kalamazoo Central. Brandywine visits Lawrence, while Edwardsburg hosts defending state champion Constantine. Buchanan hosts Centreville, while Cassopolis welcomes Parchment.
Dowagiac, Niles and Edwardsburg all kick off their contests at 7:30 p.m. Brandywine, Buchanan and Cassopolis are scheduled to begin at 7 p.m.
Tonight begins a season-long march toward conference and division championships. It also marks the beginning of a drive to qualify for the post season.
We wish all the teams good luck as they begin their quest to be the best.