The days of 100-degree temperatures are behind us, students are either in or headed back to school and the lights will be on in stadiums around for several Fridays to come.

It’s high school football season, and fans in Western Tidewater can expect an exciting fall.

Southampton Academy, which won the 1A championship last year, has volunteered to be a 2A school this year, and will have a new goal to achieve. As of this writing, the Raiders were to face off against Bethel Christian on Friday.

The Franklin Broncos, IWA Chargers, Southampton Indians and Windsor Dukes also have a challenging schedule ahead, and each head coach and staff will do all they can to get the most out of the players.

In today’s edition, The Tidewater News is glad to present the 2016 Kickoff, complete with photos, schedules and stories on all things football.

The sport is will well and truly in motion in Western Tidewater.