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Well, football fans. It’s back! 

Given the hot, steamy summer, it’s hard to believe Friday marks the beginning of the 2024 high school football season. We’ve got a brand new season ahead of us with new beginnings everywhere. Every high school team is undefeated and optimism abounds. 

Elizabethton High and Carter County high schools will open the 2024-2025 season Friday with Elizabethton hosting Science Hill. Hampton will play at Pigeon Forge, Cloudland at Happy Valley, and Unaka and Chuckey Doak will fight it out on the Ranger field.

But what is it about the high school football season that makes it so great? Well, it’s a number of things, really, all depending on which perspective you’re looking from. High school football games are about more than just the sport.

It’s the coming together of fans. No other sport (and very few events) in a particular town can bring everybody together like high school football. There’s something about seeing people sport their school colors and join in one place to root on their team. It’s pride in a team and school and a show of community spirit. It shows that we can still put everything aside, all of our differences, and unite as one. It’s all about community, spirit, and pride.

It’s the sound of the bands. They don’t get a lot of credit, but the best marching bands can multiply the excitement of a game with well-themed drum cadences and driving adrenaline-pumping numbers.

The cheerleaders also play a big role at football games. Both the cheer teams and the high school band have had their own practice, putting in the hours and work to get ready for the season.

The games also generate revenue for the school and help fund programs, equipment, and facilities.

High school sports bring a community together for a common goal.

Sure, baseball purists claim their sport is “America’s Pastime,” and there’s a lot of it to still be played this season. But, let’s be honest – football is king, especially in Carter County where high school football reigns supreme. The lights, the sounds, the bands, the crowds, and the players.   All of it rolled into one makes for one incredible show. Nothing gets fans fired up like the beginning of the season.

The STAR’s annual football edition will be published this year on August 28, and will feature all our local high school teams. Also, coverage of games will be featured in the STAR each week.

We believe important life lessons are being taught to those high school players and just as important, our communities come together.

So, enjoy the games, but more than that, enjoy the pride you feel for your local team.