Football season: T-minus 12 days and counting

Are you ready for some football?

Well, we are only 12 days away from the start of high school football season. Augusta Christian Schools will open defense of its SCISA state title Aug. 25 at home vs. Orangeburg Prep.

Last season, the Lions pounded Orangeburg 35-7. Actually, they pounded most of their opponents; that is one reason this year will be tough. First off, those teams will be gunning to knock off Augusta Christian. Trust me, each team in Carolina circles the Lions matchup on their schedule.

Coach Bruce Lane will have to replace several key players from a year ago, led by all-everything quarterback Lee Banks. Lions fans do not need to be concerned. Though a state crown might be a tall order, Augusta Christian will again be one of the premier teams in the SCISA ranks.

Congratulations to Charlie Beale

I must admit I did not realize that we had four - that's right, four - teams from Columbia County advance to play in the Dixie League World Series this summer. This is just another terrific feather in the cap of Charlie Beale and his staff at the Columbia County Recreation Department.

Folks, I hope you realize just how respected our programs are around the state, and Southeast for that matter.

When Columbia County teams show up to play, other teams take notice. The county teams have won 68 state titles and 12 World Series titles since 1984. That is astonishing.

We always congratulate the players, coaches and parents when our teams bring home titles, and we certainly should. We also should take a moment to recognize Beale, the director of the recreation department, and everyone who works so hard there.

Not to date Beale, but he has been at the department since I played my first baseball game, and he has been there to help the Columbia County Recreation Department grow into one of the finest in the nation.

So, we might not do it enough, but Mr. Beale, thanks for all your hard work over the years, and keep it up; it is certainly appreciated.