Time Out: Chalkboards to Scoreboards: A New Year of Competition Begins

The sound of school bells echoed through Muscogee County this week, marking not only the start of a new academic year but also ushering in the return of high school sports and the electric energy of Thursday and Friday night lights. As buses rolled, hallways filled, and teachers greeted fresh faces, athletes across the county tightened up their cleats, buckled their chin straps, and got back to work with one goal in mind, championship season.

One of the key traditions that marks this exciting time of year is the Muscogee County School District’s High School Football Media Day, which was held Monday at the Public Education Center. It’s a day that brings together coaches, players, and members of the media to preview the upcoming season, share storylines, and shine a light on some of the top talent preparing to take the field. From veterans ready for one last ride to underclassmen eager to make a name, Media Day is where expectations are laid out and dreams begin to feel real. But the talk is over, it’s time for football.

The preseason officially kicks off tonight with a pair of local matchups that promise to bring early fireworks. Over at Odis Spencer Stadium, the Spencer Greenwaves host the Northside Patriots in a 7 p.m. showdown between two programs looking to set the tone for their seasons. Spencer is coming off a strong 7-4 campaign and returns a talented group led by junior quarterback Elijah Fudge Jr., who continues to emerge as one of the area’s premier dual-threat quarterbacks. His combination of poise, speed, and arm strength gives the Greenwaves a dynamic option under center. Their defense, built around speed and aggression, will be tested by a Northside squad looking to bounce back after a 5-5 finish last year. The Patriots come into the season focused and determined, and they’ll use this early matchup as a measuring stick for how far they’ve come.

Just a few miles away, the Shaw Raiders are also in action, hosting Seminole County at Kinnett Stadium. Shaw is quietly building something special under head coach Jason Gibson. After finishing 4-3 in region play last season, the Raiders are hoping to take the next step this fall. Senior quarterback Aaryn Grant is the catalyst, a smart, athletic playmaker with a calm presence and a knack for extending plays. With several key starters returning on both sides of the ball, the Raiders believe this could be a breakthrough year.

The action continues Friday with two more preseason matchups. Columbus High will take on Marion County at Kinnett Stadium at 7 p.m., offering fans a first look at a young Blue Devils team hoping to build on last season’s lessons. Across town, Kendrick hosts the Heritage School at Odis Spencer Stadium, also at 7 p.m. Friday wraps up the preseason with three more matchups. Hardaway travels to Taylor County, looking to showcase its revamped defense and new-look offense. Carver, one of the region’s perennial powerhouses, will be tested early on the road against Lee County, a team that always brings size, speed, and physicality. Meanwhile, Jordan heads to Greenville hoping to shake off the rust and find rhythm heading into the regular season.

While football is front and center this week, the local softball scene is also coming alive, offering thrilling moments on the diamond. Columbus High’s Lady Blue Devils bounced back in a big way Wednesday after a tough loss on Tuesday, edging out the St. Anne-Pacelli Vikings in a 10-9 thriller. It was a true team effort, but the spotlight belonged to pitcher Addi Hart, who battled through all seven innings. Hart gave up 13 hits, surrendered seven earned runs, and still managed to strike out 10 batters in a gutsy performance that showed resilience and leadership.

Offensively, Grace Scott delivered in the clutch, going 2-for-4 with two doubles and a career-high four RBIs, providing the spark Columbus needed. Lexi Winchester also played a huge role, reaching base in all four plate appearances and adding two runs and a stolen base. The win brings Columbus to 1-1 on the young season, and it’s clear this squad has the chemistry and grit to compete night in and night out.

Over at Shaw, the Lady Raiders opened their season at home but came up short against a tough Marion County team, falling 12-8. It was a competitive game filled with high-energy moments and powerful swings, but the Eagles once again proved to be Shaw’s kryptonite—just like last season. Marion County’s offense was relentless, and their ability to capitalize on Shaw’s defensive miscues made the difference. Still, the Raiders showed flashes of potential, and with more games ahead, they’ll look to tighten up and bounce back quickly.

The week isn’t done yet for softball fans. On Thursday, Pacelli travels across town to face Shaw at 5 p.m. in a rivalry matchup with early-season implications. Columbus will host Lamar County at 5:30 p.m., looking to stack back-to-back wins and build momentum. Northside heads to Peach County for a tough road game at 6 p.m., and Shaw will also be competing in the Callaway Classic on Friday, an event that always brings out some of the best competition in the region. Then, Saturday morning, Columbus High is back on the field bright and early, hosting Calvary at 10 a.m.

Between the buzz of preseason football and the early drama on the softball fields, one thing is clear, fall sports are officially back in full swing. From the stands to the sidelines, the energy is different this time of year. It's the sound of bands tuning up, whistles blowing, fans cheering, and athletes chasing moments they’ll remember for a lifetime. This is what it's all about community pride, competition, and the unshakable belief that this could be the year. And with what we've seen so far, it's shaping up to be a season to remember.