Season openers always exciting

Football openers are always fun. The first game of the season is always an exciting time.
Last Friday was no exception as Saline hosted Belleville in the 2010 football opener for both clubs. Hornet Stadium was literally abuzz last Friday as the crowd waited in anticipation for their beloved Blue and Gold warriors to exit the locker room and explode onto the field.
With the Saline cheerleaders forming a human tunnel, of sorts, just outside the Hornet locker room, the local gridders burst out onto the field to loud screams and applause from the partial home field crowd.
Saline players piled up upon each other at midfield before running over to their sideline to await the opening kickoff.
The Hornet Marching Band played the school fight song as the Belleville team across the field lined up for the national anthem.
Under a bright, sunny sky, the national anthem was played, a slight breeze unfurling the flag every now and then. It was a nice moment. I was almost expecting a military flyover as the Saline band finished our national song.
With the national anthem complete, both sides began preparing for the upcoming battle ahead. The band cleared the field and headed back up to the grandstands. The cheerleaders took their positions on both sides of the Saline sideline.
The fans on each side shouted encouragement to their Hornets and Tigers. Finally, each side ran out onto the field. It was kickoff time.
Both sides begin yelling and screaming, hooting and hollering. Coaches were already barking instructions to their respective players.
The referees were in position. The football was on the tee. The crowd was at a fever pitch. The referee blew his whistle.
Game time.
It was on.
Here’s the kick.
The ball is away.
It’s opening night.
Let the season begin.