It’s like the Christmas song: “It’s the most wonderful time of the year…”

But, as you and I both know, it’s never really NOT football season…

With the pre-season camps, 7-on-7 competitions, early morning workouts (and all that stuff) football is now a 12-month gig. For all of us…

And, since you are now allowed to start practicing August 1st, it’s early morning hitting out of the heat (in shells, pads, or some combination) and then you’re done. You can’t do two-a-days anymore. So, coaches have to be somewhat vigilant in their processes to get the job done by late August-0 when it all starts for real…

We’ve started here as well…

We’re getting everything done for our 4th season premiere on August 29th when Archer visits Peachtree Ridge. Two talented QB’s there with Gabe Tiller and Chance Thrasher and a lot of talent on display in Gwinnett County for Week 1.

But there’s already been some stuff going on over in Lincolnton. I know I have spent a lot of time talking about the retirement of Larry Campbell from his post at Lincoln County High School, but the community did something really cool the other week. Since “Buddy Bufford Field” was taken, the fans, followers, and supporters had another great idea and a lot of the state’s biggest and best showed up.

((HT: WJBF-TV Augusta))

WJBF-TV ABC 6 Augusta-Aiken

Another story that’s pretty big is the declaration of Westover (Albany) DT Trenton Thompson as to where he is going to spend his college time. He has it narrowed down to five schools and he’ll make his announcement on the 12th after school. Will Auburn steal another Georgia defensive talent or will he stay close to home? Does he go all the way out to Southern Cal or just go up the road to Clemson? It’s a must-keep for UGA head coach Mark Richt considering just how many different defensive guys have been pulled in by Auburn the last few years (Lawson, Adams, Russell, Wright, etc.)

It will be the biggest day Westover has ever had…

Another cool piece of work is the action going on down at the coast. Karl DeMasi was asked to come out of retirement to start the program at Islands High in Savannah. It will be their first year of varsity competition and Shawn Simpson takes over for DeMasi who built the car from scratch.

Stefanie has the look at the Sharks and Groves High, who has a familiar face on the sidelines this year.

((HT: The Coastal Source))

So, it’s that time for me to ask:

What are y’all looking forward to this season…?

Could be a rivalry game, a particular athlete, a winning season, a road trip, a particular match-up on your schedule that isn’t a region game… you tell me…

That’s what this space is: A 2-way conversation…

Always is… always will be…

So, be a part of the talk on Facebook at GPB Sports, on Twitter with any one of us you want to talk to and follow, on Instagram (although I haven’t figured out how that works), or any other social medium we have.

Our season starts August 29th and our schedule is on our Facebook page. We’ll be with you all season long and I’ll see some of you next week on my “Southern Swing” next Tuesday, through Thursday.

Play it safe, everyone… I’ll see you on the road…