This Friday, at 7:30 p.m., Bainbridge High School’s varsity football team will host the East Gadsden Jaguars, of Havana, Fla., in the first game of the 2012 regular season, at Centennial Field.

Football coaches and players have worked hard all summer long to get ready for this grueling season. These young people have devoted countless hours of time and energy toward their sport, which means they aren’t out getting into trouble or breaking the rules. At the same time, they are learning wonderful lessons about working together as a team, and picking up other positive character traits that will help them throughout the rest of their lives.

Of course, the band members and cheerleaders have worked very hard as well, and they also deserve our support. It is wonderful to see young people willing to put their devotion toward music and the arts, even when those programs are being cut by budget-strapped schools across the nation. And we can’t forget the student managers, those giving young people who sacrifice their time and effort to make sure that the games go smoothly and the players have the water and equipment they need.

It’s important to remember, that even if we might not personally have children or relatives on the team, they are still our Bearcats. These young people represent Decatur County, and they represent us. We should give them all the support they deserve this year. We also should remember that the fans are also representatives of Decatur County; let’s all show good sportsmanship and character at this season’s games.

Good luck, Bearcats!