Maybe it is the smell of the grass or the wafting smells of hot dogs and hamburgers cooking on the grill near the concession stand.

Maybe it is the pomp and circumstance of the marching band entering the stadium or the hand-drawn signs, carefully created by the cheerleaders.

Maybe it is the alums who come back to share stories of what was or the nervous parents of current players worrying about what might be.

Whatever it is, there is just something about a Friday night high school football game, and after a delay far too long, high school football returns this Friday night. And, it returns in grand fashion for local fans.

This Friday evening, all four area high school teams will open their 2016 seasons right here in Vicksburg.

Vicksburg and Warren Central will make their debut in the annual Red Carpet Bowl, this year held at Vicksburg High School. Porters Chapel will welcome kick off their at home against St. Andrews, while St. Al will play host to their rival, Cathedral Academy from Natchez.

The Red Carpet Bowl is a true community gem for Vicksburg, not just because of the great football that is traditionally on display, but the money raised for the scholarships the games support.

But the pageantry and atmosphere that will be on display at Vicksburg’s stadium Friday night will not be alone.

In the South, Friday nights in the late summer and fall are a right of passage for many. A person’s social calendar routinely begins with their school’s football schedule and then goes from there.

For many of us, these events are not just something to do, but rather a way of life.

And, if you’re not connected in some way to one of these schools, all you have to do is go to a game to get caught up in the celebration of a win or the heartbreak of a loss.

To all the players, coaches, cheerleaders, band members and sponsors, we applaud the hard work put in thus far getting ready for the season, and we hope you all have great seasons.

To the parents of these athletes, these cheerleaders and these band members, make sure you free up plenty of room on your cameras and your smart phones; there are plenty of memories you are going want to capture.