By Marla Jones, Sports Editor • marla@southerntorch.com

DEKALB COUNTY, Ala. — Soon the stands will be filled with expectant fans ready for their team to take on the field for the first football games of the 2018 season.

Some teams will begin season play in Week Zero while others will participate in fall jamborees. Here is a quick rundown of your favorite teams that will be playing next week!

Next Saturday will see the return of the Battle of Skirum Creek as the Crossville Lions will face off against the Geraldine Bulldogs on Saturday, August 25 at 7pm. This is a non-conference game and will held on the Lions’ territory this time. Last year, Crossville fell to Geraldine, 35-14, in their final regular game of the season.

The Fyffe Red Devils will face Piedmont in a non-conference game away from home on Friday, August 24 at 7pm.

The Plainview Bears and new coach Nick “Rudy” Ledbetter will have their first chance to prove themselves against the Collinsville Panthers next Thursday, August 23 at 7pm. The game is at home for the Panthers and it is a non-conference game.

The Fort Payne Wildcats also welcome a new coach Chris Elmore, formerly of Chelsea High School. The Wildcats will have an away non-conference game against Pell City on Friday, August 24 at 7pm.

The Sylvania Rams will play against the Scottsboro in the Wildcats terrain on Friday, August 24 at 7pm. This is a non-conference game.

The Valley Head Tigers and Ider Hornets will begin their seasons with non-conference games against the Alabama School for the Deaf and the Holly Pond Broncos, respectively, on Friday, August 31. Both games begin at 7pm.