Time-Out: A New Season Dawns

As July fades into memory and that familiar southern heat begins to signal change, the atmosphere around Columbus is buzzing with anticipation. High school football is back. There’s something about those first Friday night lights of August that stirs up nostalgia, hope, and fierce local pride. It's the return of the pads popping, the fight songs ringing, and the bleachers packed with families, alumni, and die-hard fans eager to see which teams will rise. And this Friday, August 1st, three matchups across the area will mark the official launch of the 2025 high school football season.

Let’s start with Jordan High, where the Red Jackets will welcome Southwest Georgia STEM Charter to Kinnett Stadium for a 6:00 PM showdown. For Jordan, it’s more than just a non-conference battle, it’s a tone-setter for a program hoping to climb back into the Region AA conversation. After a rigorous summer of skill-building, especially among its offensive unit, Jordan enters with fresh leadership and rising confidence. Expect them to test the perimeter early and push the tempo on both sides of the ball. This early home matchup gives the Red Jackets a real opportunity to make a statement before the grind of region play kicks in.

Meanwhile, over at Odis Spencer Stadium, the Hardaway Hawks will line up against Marion County, also kicking off at 6:00 PM. Last season saw Hardaway lean on underclassmen and absorb tough lessons in the fire of competition. Now, with a fortified offensive line and deeper quarterback depth, the Hawks are primed to make noise. Marion County, always disciplined with a bruising run game, presents a perfect early test of Hardaway’s defensive resolve. Expect a physical matchup full of grit and second-effort tackles.

Later in the evening, all eyes will turn to Columbus High School, where the Blue Devils hit the road for a 7:30 PM contest against Early County. After a 2–8 campaign in 2024–25, Columbus enters this season with one clear goal: Winning!

Columbus’ roster is stacked with intriguing talent. Junior two-way star Andrew Smith IV is the name to watch. The team’s rushing leader with over 48 yards per game last season, Smith also plays free safety and has a knack for blocking kicks. His ability to influence both sides of the ball is rare. Joining him is sophomore Grant Geringer, a dynamic RB/CB who averaged nearly 30 receiving and 33 rushing yards per game—a spark plug with home-run potential in the open field. Anchoring the defense is senior DE Tim Rogers, the emotional heartbeat of the unit with 7.4 tackles per game and two sacks. Add in the leadership of quarterback Christian Spivey, and you’ve got a squad that, while still developing, has the foundation to pull off surprises in Region AA.

Last year’s highlight came in the form of a dominant 31–0 win over Kendrick, a night when everything clicked. But tough losses to powerhouses like Carver served as reminders of the work ahead. This year’s version of the Blue Devils is focused on closing that gap. With a balanced offensive approach and improved line play, they’re aiming to shift the narrative and claw back into postseason relevance.

But while football steals the spotlight, let’s not forget the hardwood heroes of summer. The PorterSports SE Class of 2030 girls capped off an incredible AAU campaign with a statement win at the Atlanta Summer Slam Tournament. Led by the savvy playmaking of Mia Jackson and the dominant paint presence of Kendra Hayes, the squad battled through fierce competition to finish on top with a 58–52 win over Georgia Storm. Their chemistry, clutch execution, and collective hunger proved why they were the team to beat all season long.

Back on the youth gridiron, Columbus Youth Football is entering crunch time. With two verification days left—Saturday, August 2 and Saturday, August 9 from 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM at Shaw High School, players and cheerleaders must complete registration and verification to lock in roster spots. No exceptions will be made. Tackle football participants must have their National Sports ID completed and verified, with that green checkmark as proof. Volunteer workouts are wrapped, and official practices kick off the week of August 11. Parents don’t let paperwork be the reason your child misses out—this season promises to be one of the best yet.

So, here’s your final whistle before kickoff: Friday night football is back. Columbus-area teams are ready to write new chapters, fueled by offseason growth and a desire to prove they belong. Whether you're in the stands at Kinnett, Spencer, or traveling to Early County, support your local programs and cheer for the young athletes putting in the work. And after celebrating a basketball championship and finalizing youth football registration, clear your calendar because this fall, the road to Friday night glory starts now. One kickoff, one tackle, one touchdown at a time. Let the games begin.