The anticipation is building in the Belgreen community for the school’s first varsity football game at their home field under their own Friday night lights. The field is located just south of the school on Highway 187.

The field is made up of bright green artificial turf with two bright blue endzones, one that says Belgreen and the other that says Bulldogs. At midfield, there is a big Bulldog head logo. The field is surrounded by a blue Olympic-size track.

There is still a lot of work to be done to prepare for a Friday night football crowd, including the critical elements of bleachers and a scoreboard, but Franklin County superintendent Greg Hamilton said he’s confident the team will be ready to host Shoals Christian Aug. 23 as planned.

“It’s been a slow process, and we have a lot to get done,” said Hamilton. “I feel pretty good about it coming together.”

In addition to the bleachers and scoreboard, Hamilton said more concrete needs to be poured, and additional handicapped accessible parking needs to be completed. He said he expects most of the work to be completed this week.

“I anticipate a big crowd for the first game,” added Hamilton. “Friday night lights in the fall will be a different feel for the community.”

Belgreen principal Megean Berryman said the anticipation is building around the school.

“I think everyone (the coaches, players, cheerleaders, teachers, students and the community) is getting excited by the minute!”

She said pep rallies are being planned and the team and coaches have been working very hard.

“Mr. Hamilton has worked tirelessly to get everything ready to go,” Berryman explained. “We couldn’t be more thankful for his efforts. And we can’t forget our anonymous donor. Without them, this wouldn’t have even been possible.”

Belgreen’s head football coach Jonathan Raper said he expects there to be a big crowd for that first game, noting his players have been working hard to make sure the community is proud.

“They are very excited to get to play their first game at Belgreen in a long time,” said Raper. “They have been working hard and look forward to getting to play a game in front of our community and school. I expect we will have a great crowd opening night. We had a very good following last year when we played all road games. I’m sure we will have an even better following at home this year.”

“Everyone has been working hard and looking forward to when we get to play football at Belgreen. There’s so many people that have been involved in making this happen, so I’m just excited to get to be a part of this program and getting to help make this happen for our community.”

There will be a community pep rally and Meet the Bulldogs on Aug. 22 at 6 p.m. for everyone to meet the team and get fired up for the season. The event was previously scheduled for Aug. 15 but moved because of the threat of inclement weather. Because of the change, there will not be a practice session for fans to watch following the pep rally, as previously planned.

Belgreen will host Shoals Christian in their home opener on August 23.