It’s football time in Alabama. 

The first official week of high school football has arrived; in official AHSAA parlance, it is Week Zero. 

Teams can choose to open their seasons this week and take an open date later in the season, which is what three county teams will do: Tharptown, Red Bay and Vina all open this week on the road. 

Other teams, including Phil Campbell and Russellville, will open next week and play 10 straight weeks. Both teams will play a pre-season game this week on the road. 

All games begin at 7 p.m. 

Tharptown (0-0) at Shoals Christian (0-0)

Coach Kevin Lacey: “Our kids are really excited to get to play. It has been very hot, and practice has been hard. We still have a lot of things we need to work on, but we are getting there. 

“Our guys know what we are facing this year. Last year it was new to us, being in 2A, but this year we have an idea, and we are ready to embrace the challenge. 

“Shoals Christian is a good team. They have a new coach, but he is a veteran coach. I know he will have them excited and ready to play Friday night.”

Red Bay (0-0) at Colbert Heights (0-0)

Coach Michael Jackson: “We have had a good two weeks of practice, especially because of having to deal with the heat this year. We are still looking for more guys that can contribute for us this year. 

“Colbert Heights plays really good at home. They will have a huge crowd behind them Friday night. They have hosted a first-round playoff game in back-to-back years, so their players will be ready to play.”

Vina (0-0) at Marion County (0-0)

Coach Ben Guin: “Our preparation has consisted of getting in shape and preparing to play four quarters of football. We have also worked on our offensive, defensive and special team strategies that will hopefully give us the best chance for success. 

“Marion County will be a good football team. They run a lot of different sets on offense, and we have tried to prepare for that the best we can with no game film. They will be a tough first game, but our players are excited about getting the season started.”

Pre-season: Phil Campbell at Hubbertville

While three county schools will open the season Friday night, Phil Campbell will take the opportunity to play a limited pre-season game. Phil Campbell will travel to Hubbertville in Fayette County.

“We want to use this opportunity to get honed in on what we want to do,” said Bobcat coach Kevin Barnwell. “We have experimented a lot in the spring and this summer. Now we have to find out what we do best and focus in on that and find ourselves.”

Phil Campbell will open the regular season at Red Bay Aug. 30.