Picayune Memorial High School’s football team was the only team in Pearl River County to not play a game last week. However, the wait is almost over and no one is as excited as Head Coach Dodd Lee.

“Without a doubt we are ready to get the season started,” Lee said. “Our kids have done everything we asked of them during the offseason, which is always a good start.”

This Friday, the Maroon Tide travel to D’lberville High School to open their season. The Tide begins their season playing against four 6A opponents, which Lee considers a great challenge.

“I welcome the challenge of a tough schedule,” Lee said. “If we are firing on all cylinders, I believe we can play with any team in Mississippi.”

Lee said he is looking forward to a fresh season, and to coach a “great group of kids.”

This will be the first in more than 30 years that the football team will be playing without their cannon, which is fired after every touchdown on the homefield, but Lee said nothing will change because of it.

“Our kids come to play every time they turn on those lights,” Lee said. “It’s better for the program.”

Lee is confident in his team, including the starting senior members, including the quarterback and running back.

“The attitude on and off the field is great. The work ethic is great and we are just ready to play. This season we are going to take it one game at a time,” Lee said. “These kids have been through a lot of wars and are ready for competition.”

Lee said D’lberville has a couple of players that could change the game at any moment, like their starting center and safety, both of which have committed to the University of Southern Mississippi.

Lee plans for the Tide to bring everything they have to the field Friday. Even with Picayune travelling for their opening game of the season, Lee expects to start the season off on the right foot with a win.