Fall doesn’t officially begin with the first cool breeze or pumpkin spice latte; it starts under the lights, with the blow of a whistle and the thud of a kickoff. 

For me, there’s nothing more exciting than football season. Memories from years past are woven into my very being, stitched tightly with every tailgate, every playoff, every last-second thriller.

I love the game — and I owe that to my dad.

He taught me the rules, yes — but more than that, he taught me to respect the grit it takes to play this sport. Football is more than just touchdowns and tackles; it’s about teamwork, discipline, perseverance. It’s about pride. It’s about showing up, play after play, even when you’re tired. 

Especially when you’re tired.

I don’t pretend to understand the physical toll it takes; I’ve obviously never played the game. But what I do understand is tenacity, that never-say-die attitude, and I know it — and admire it — when I see it. 

In many ways, football is the great uniter, drawing people together over a single shared passion. Sure, we’re all cheering for different teams, but the goal is the same: Win. Celebrate. Repeat. 

In this month’s issue, we shine a spotlight on our local teams, the ones who carry Bulloch County’s pride on their shoulder pads: Portal, Statesboro High, Southeast Bulloch, Bulloch Academy and Georgia Southern University. In the pages that follow, you’ll find previews, player profiles and sideline stories that capture the heart of our community each fall. I hope they remind you what makes football so special — not just the score, but the spirit.

Here’s to the season — and to the dads who taught us to love the game.