Are you ready for some high school football? For most of Lawrence County, that answer is a resounding yes.

Area schools kickoff the 2013 season tonight as school spirit and community pride build to a crescendo.

It is a great time of year for student athletes, cheerleaders, bandmembers educators and fans. But, it is important that all involved never lose sight of the value of sportsmanship, often a bigger issue in the stands than on the field.

Nothing is wrong with school spirit and competitive fire — in fact those are characteristics that can translate into success in life as well as in the game — but it is important that no one loses sight of the fact that these are young men and women trying to have fun.

They aren’t professional athletes getting paid millions to play a game. They aren’t even college players who aren’t getting paid, per se, but still get thousands of dollars in scholarships and benefits.

No, these are teenagers who are giving it their all to win the game, cheer on their team or hit the perfect notes.

Athletics and extra-curricular activities are important because they provide countless benefits for the youth participating in them and also bring our communities together to root for their teams.

Winning is important but should not come at the cost of sportsmanship.

All of us have the chance to make our schools and our communities proud, on and off the field.