As a lifelong Texan, today is a holy day on our state calendar. High school football (at Class 4A and below) begins in earnest tonight.
But us Texans aren't the only ones celebrating tonight. In Utah, they're on their third weeks of hearing the soothing sounds of popping pads while bathing underneath the healing glow of stadium lights.
Seven states played full schedules last week, and 10 more join them this week.
Began Two Weeks Ago
Utah
Began Last Week
Alabama
Alaska
Indiana
Mississippi
North Dakota
South Dakota
Tennessee
Begin This Week
Arkansas
Idaho
Iowa
Kentucky
Mississippi
Missouri
Montana
Nebraska
Oklahoma
Ohio
South Carolina (private schools)
Texas (Class 4A and below)
Wyoming
For anyone who can't make it out to a game tonight, ESPN -- Big ESPN -- will carry St. Paul's Episcopal (AL) vs. Spanish Fort (AL) tonight at 7 p.m. Eastern.
If I'm missing anyone, my DMs are open.
As always, stay tuned to The Scoop for the latest coaching information.