The most anticipated day of the entire high school sports year is nearly upon us.

There is nothing like the opening night of the football season. Coaches and players have been preparing since the winter, building up to that magical moment around on Friday, Aug. 26 when the kicker’s toe hits a ball and another season is under way.

There will be high expectations for teams which hope they can continue their success and reach even higher goals this time around.

There will be uncertainty, but hope, for others. Some plan on building from last season’s success to make the playoffs. Others hope new coaches are able to show their struggling programs how to turn things around.

The countdown clock on mchenrycountysports.com’s home page is nearing zero, and all of us can hardly wait.

- Joe Stevenson, Northwest Herald sports reporter