It's the weekend that tells us school is back in session and summer is just about over,

High school football gets its kickoff tonight and fans across the region can't wait. Neither can we at the Times News Sports Department.Our first Friday night kicks off is a busy one with nine games on the area grid scene since everyone plays a team out of the area.So without further ado, lets take a look at what's gong on:MAHANOY AREA AT LEHIGHTON - Indians are picked to be one of the top teams in the Anthracite League again … Lehighton, 36-0.MINERSVILLE AT JIM THORPE - Olympians open up at home and are hoping to find some help up front to open some holes to light up the offense … Jim Thorpe, 28-7.NORTH SCHUYLKILL AT TAMAQUA - The Spartans come in to T-town to give the Raiders a big test on opening night. Raiders will have something to say, but until someone beats the Spartans, got to go with them … North Schuylkill, 21-7.NORTHWESTERN AT NOTRE DAME - Crusaders have some transfers in from Pius, but Tigers have Harry Hall back. Some think this will be close … Northwestern, 35-7.PANTHER VALLEY AT SCHUYLKILL HAVEN - Last year the Panthers played the Hurricanes tough for three quarters. This year, it'll be close also … Schuylkill Haven, 21-14.PEN ARGYL AT NORTHERN LEHIGH - The Bulldogs remember the two playoff games that ended their season with wins last year. Why not continue the streak … Northern Lehigh, 21-0.PLEASANT VALLEY AT EASTON - Tough opener for a team that lost their quarterback, but have Austin Borre returning … Easton, 35-7.MARIAN AT WILLIAMS VALLEY - Was a good opener last year and Vikings always seem to reload, Look for the Colts to show why they could be in th mix in the AFL this time around … Marian, 21-12.WILSON AT PALMERTON - Blue Bombers got a taste of the District 11 playoffs last season and they liked it …Palmerton, 28-0.SAUCON VALLEY AT SALISBURY - Panthers are picked to be the Colonial League champ again this year with almost their whole team back … Saucon Valley, 28-7.PALISADES AT SOUTHERN LEHIGH - The quarterback franchise is gone, but the Spartans will find another way to put up points ... Southern Lehigh, 21-0.CATASAUQUA AT BANGOR - New look, new coach in the Slate Belt area. This will be close … Catasauqua, 21-20.EAST STROUDSBURG SOUTH AT FREEDOM - A tough opener for the Cavaliers, who used to have an easier time in the Mountain Valley Conference … Freedom, 35-7.NAZARETH AT STROUDSBURG - The Mountaineers will be one of the top teams in the Mountain Division, while the Blue Eagles are still building … Stroudsburg, 30-7.LIBERTY AT BETHLEHEM CATHOLIC - Christmas City rivalry right off the bat and you know the Golden Hawks have some Pius transfers also … Becahi, 28-14.