The time has arrived. Football is back. Teams will take the field for real this week in what is affectionately known as Week Zero, a term created to explain 11 weeks of high school football with an open week. Every team in the county will open this week except for Vina. The Red Devils have one more week to prepare for the top ranked team in Class 1A: Addison.

Phil Campbell hosts Hackleburg – Phil Campbell will open with one of their biggest rivals, the Hackleburg Panthers. The Bobcats will be under a new head coach in Jacob Hamilton and a freshman quarterback in Hayston Scott. Phil Campbell beat Tharptown soundly in a preseason game last week. The competition this week will be much different. The Panthers return several talented and skilled players. The Bobcats won this game last year at Hackleburg 36-8.

Red Bay at Hamilton – Red Bay has high hopes this year. The Tigers return 14 players who have started since they were tenth graders. Red Bay will travel to Class 4A Hamilton this week.  The Tigers beat the Aggies last year 22-20. Red Bay can make a statement with a strong opening game.

Russellville hosts Grissom – Russellville opens up at home this year. The Golden Tigers went on the road last week in a preseason game to Itawamba, Miss.  Russellville lost to Grissom last year 34-21. Russellville lost some talented seniors from last year’s team. The Golden Tigers will be looking for new players to step in and fill those voids.

Tharptown at Shoals Christian – Tharptown will travel to Florence to play Shoals Christian in their opener this week. The Wildcats beat the Flame last year 28-14 at home. Tharptown lost to Phil Campbell in a preseason contest last week. Shoals Christian beat upstart Belgreen.