September in Alabama and Georgia brings with it a cultural and physical transformation.

Generally, September is the first post-summer month when whispers of fall and cooler weather begin to tickle the wind. The days are still hot and humid, to be sure, but the air has a crispness come September that is refreshing and invigorating.

The leaves begin to change, the days become shorter and the physical world begins to feel different.

Similarly, from a cultural standpoint, September brings a significant change as well. The summer sports doldrums are officially over and football has returned in full swing. A cultural renaissance in the South, Friday nights and Saturday afternoons throughout the fall hold a special place of significance for this area. After a long offseason, September is back, bringing this sacred pastime with it.

Especially exciting for the Valley area is the caliber and condition of our local high school teams.

The talk of the area is, naturally, the reigning 2A state champion and current 1A contender Lanett Panthers, who now stand at 2-1 after three weeks, losing a heartbreaker on opening night to 5A Valley. Apart from Lanett, however, the cast of characters runs deep through the area. Beulah, for example, stands at 3-0 this season, already matching last year’s win total.

The four area AHSAA teams have each won at least one game, while three of the four currently have winning records. The only team not currently sporting a winning record is LaFayette, who sits at 1-1 after making quick work of region foe Vincent this past Friday.

Venturing into the AISA realm as well shows impressive results to this point, as Chambers Academy remains the team to beat at the AISA A level with a 4-0 record and Springwood currently sports a 2-1 record. To date, the six Alabama teams in the Greater Valley Area are sporting a 14-4 record. Including nearby Troup County High School from Georgia ups that overall record to 17-4. There is good football taking place in this community this fall.

On a broader scale, the success recently achieved by our local teams speaks to more than just the on-field product, but to the school systems, coaches and individuals behind the scenes, working together for a common purpose.

Those involved with each of our local teams should be proud of the on-field products that have been rolled out to this point.

The best of luck the rest of the way to all.