No question about it, Lawrence County is football country.

For about 10 or so weeks every fall, Southern Ohio and all the communities in it catch football fever as the residents come out in droves to support their local high schools. That school spirit and community pride is commendable and is part of the charm that makes the region so special.

However, sometimes what gets lost in translation is that the other students and student-athletes give their all for their schools as well.

Saturday marks the return of the Buckeye Classic band competition at 5 p.m. at Ironton High School, an event that stands out as one of the best in the entire region.

Marching bands, cheerleaders and participants in other fall sports like golf, volleyball, tennis, soccer and cross country often get overshadowed by football.

Hopefully, as residents put on their school colors and head out to tonight’s games they will take a minute to appreciate the other students and athletes who are just as important as those who put on the pads on the football field.

Education in today’s high schools has to include extracurricular programs and after-school activities because those help create well-rounded students who become well-rounded adults.