Another high school football season in Georgia is getting underway. With it comes a weekly ritual that in some areas has been acted out for decades. Some of it actually starts before you reach the stadium's gates. It's the usual friendly faces that park the cars, and rip the tickets. As you approach the gate you can hear sounds of drums being pounded in a last minute rehearsal while the air is filled with the smell of hot dogs and burgers being prepared on a grill near the concession stand. Then the student section, where preparation means painting your face and perhaps your upper torso in school colors.

The teams have been preparing since spring drills, which were followed by combines, camps, and 7 on 7 tournaments during the sweltering summer months. The pre-game clock is winding down and the wait is almost over. But before the teams go charging through the banners there is one more element without which the games could not go on. They are there to keep order, and uphold the rules while doing their best to be seen yet invisible. Of course I am speaking of the officials, the men and women in the striped shirts who have also been preparing for another season.

 Spencer Smith has officiated high school football in Georgia for 38 years. His reasons for doing it are pretty simple. " The joy of giving something back to a game that I love," says Smith. It's a fact, many of the GHSA officials once played high school football.  Being an official allows them to stay plugged in to the Friday night excitement.

It's like a weekly reunion for those who participate in officiating long term. " You build a camaraderie with the guys over the years," says Smith. " It's the kind of organization that allows you to develop friends for life." That unity is put to the test some Friday nights, when the officials best efforts don't seem appreciate. A thick skin is sometimes a requirement for officiating.

"It can be one of the most thankless jobs on the planet, and you don't get rich," says Javarro Edwards. "It's the things that you take away from it. An attitude of gratitude is how I look at it." Edwards, who officiated high school football for 7 seasons admits that the job is fun, but also has a serious side. "You are actually an extension of coaching for the kids", says Edwards. " We are getting them ready for the next stage in live through managing situations." Edwards is now an official at the collegiate level in Conference USA.

When asked what Georgia High School football player impressed them most while officiating one of their games both Smith and Edwards were quick to react. "Nick Marshall," remembers Smith. Wilcox County played in the state finals and he literally carried that team on his back."  For Edwards, it was certain quarterback who was on his way to Heisman fame." Westlake's Cam Newton" says Edwards. " The young man had everything he needed athletically to do whatever he wanted to do. He was a great leader."

The GHSA is always seeking men and women to become game officials. Both Smith and Edwards recommend starting with recreation league football to anyone who is considering becoming a high school football official.

In his 38 years Spencer Smith has called games around the state of Georgia. When asked what is his favorite place to officiate a game, a diplomatic Smith responded this way. " The game I have next Friday night is the most important to those teams and to those parents in the entire world", says Smith. "That's my favorite place to be on a Friday night."