Unless you are dating or married to a sports reporter or head football coach, you are likely just hours away from the start of your favorite season of the year — football season.

Whether you’ve sworn your allegiance to a local high school, state university of regional pro team, the agonizing wait for the new season is nearly over.

Friday evening, Selma’s Memorial Stadium will be full of activity as the Selma Saints and Southside Panthers start the season with one of the great local rivalries.

The energy of the crowd is sure to be palpable as players take the field and the bands blare their songs into the night.

Over the next few weeks, college and professional teams across the country will race onto the field to begin their push to glory.

As a fan of the Michigan Wolverines and Cincinnati Bengals … it’s been a tough life.

Over the years, both teams have lost games they should have won and failed to win in the postseason.

But, every team has had those years.

My fiancee and her family have told me all about the Crimson Tide’s dark years, and I know the Auburn Tigers haven’t always been at their current heights.

And just like the lifelong fans of the Tide and Tigers, I will always bleed the colors of my favorite teams.

I know I’m not alone when I say I’ve ready for the traditions of football season.

I’m ready for the Michigan players to race onto the field while the band plays “Hail to the Victors”.

And as a fan of football in general, I’m excited to see Nick Saban lead his players out of the tunnel at Bryant-Denny Stadium, and to see the War Eagle take back the skies over Jordan-Hare Stadium.

Growing up near Columbus, Ohio, football has always been a part of my life.

To this day, football somehow finds its way into many conversations I have with my dad. He, like everyone else on both sides of my family, is an Ohio State fan.

I know, it doesn’t make sense to me either, but that’s what makes football great.

I’ll never be a Buckeye fan but, just like the fans of the Crimson Tide and Tigers, I respect their passion and love for the game.

Who knows how the season will end for any high school, college or professional teams. But that also is the beauty of the game.

Right now, my Bengals and Wolverines have a shot at redemption.

Your Tide and Tigers can take their conference back to the promised land after a close call last year.

It’s great to have football back.

What ever team you cheer for, here’s hoping they have a great season and give you plenty of reasons to cheer.