By Stephen Dawkins

Even with as much passion as fans show for high school football in Chilton County, gate revenue from games just isn’t enough to keep the programs going—especially when you consider that football is often counted on to provide for athletic programs that don’t make as much money.
So, coaches and athletic directors have to get creative. This year, they’re getting really creative.
Raffles and camps and such serve their purpose well, but it takes fresh ideas to keep the money coming in. Three local schools—Billingsley, Jemison and Maplesville—this year are holding alumni football games, which will be played with equipment and officials by former players and students.
Maybe I’ve been jaded by this make-money-quick society we live in, but the first thing that entered my mind when I heard this proposal was, “That’s a lawsuit waiting to happen.”
Now that I know more about the games, though, it sounds like a pretty good idea.
Participants must sign releases and will wear regulation equipment provided by the schools.
Jemison coach Brad Abbott said he expects at least 60 participants in the game—and more than 70 could end up playing.
Abbott said the game could raise more than $5,000 for the program.
“It’s been a verypositive thing,” Abbott said. “A lot of talk has been going on about it.
“I’ve even heard from former cheerleaders, saying they wanted to cheer during the game. We’ll definitely do it again in the future.”
The best part is these games should be wildly entertaining (Jemison’s game was postponed from Dec. 12 and will be played at 7 p.m. Thursday).
Some of these guys are going to find out they’re not in nearly as good of shape as they thought (I’m right there with you). But no matter how many former players can’t get out of bed Sunday, current players will be better off because of it.

– Dawkins is the sports editor for The North Chilton Advertiser.