The countdown to football season is almost over.We all have our calendars marked for late August when our local high school teams take the field and early September when college games finally get underway. In the South, football season is one of the most anticipated times of the year.

Many of us focus mainly on Alabama and Auburn and rightfully so. Those programs are two of the best in the SEC and Alabama is in the midst of a dynasty that any school would envy.

But it’s important to remember our high school teams, bands, cheerleaders and coaches too. The booster programs at each school — whether they are private or public schools — can only do so much and even then, the money is raised through community support.

Every time you buy a ticket to a local high school game, you’re helping that school’s athletic programs and the children that take part in them. Schools have to buy new uniforms, repair helmets and get the field ready for games each week. That money has to come from somewhere.

The high school football season doesn’t start until Aug. 19, but local teams are already working hard to get ready for the year. Selma took part in a 7-on-7 game Wednesday with Sidney Lanier and others have spent the offseason at various camps and working out.

We’re in the midst of working on our annual Gridiron magazine, with the traditional Facebook cover vote set to start next week.

As in past years, the vote will feature seven cover options — one each with a football player and cheerleader from each of the seven local high schools

Football season will be here before we know it. In the meantime, we encourage readers to find a way to give back to our local teams, players and coaches. They’re working hard and every school in the area deserves support.