School’s back in session, and that means one thing to local football enthusiasts, the kickoff of the high school season. If there is one thing that is popular in Pearl River County, it’s high school football.

Proud parents, aunts and uncles, grandparents and school alumni show up to every home game and most every away game to cheer on their favorite team.

This Friday at 7 p.m. Poplarville High School’s Hornets will begin the season as they face off against Raleigh High School’s Lions.

Pearl River Central’s Blue Devils will play in the Shrimp Bowl on Saturday in Biloxi starting at 7:30 p.m. 

Picayune’s Maroon Tide will play their first game of the season the following Friday on Aug. 29 at 7 p.m.

Picayune will be starting this season with two state championship wins in the past three years. 

Pearl River Central and Poplarville’s teams are improving with each passing season. 

This should be an exciting season for all of our home teams.

There are only a handful of games that bring bigger crowds, one of which is the local rivalry between the Maroon Tide and the Blue Devils. 

The game is a friendly competition between two hometown teams. But it is always heavily attended. This year’s matchup is set for Sept. 12, at 7 p.m. at the Maroon Tide stadium. Be sure to get there early to ensure you get a parking spot, and a seat.

We here at the Item feel especially lucky. This county has a lot of great talent that brings exciting football action essentially to your doorstep. So if, for whatever reason, you haven’t had a chance to get out to a local game, be sure to attend at least one. We’re sure you will get a taste of what you’ve been missing, and head back for more the following week.