The square in downtown Troy was packed at noon Thursday with football fans of all ages.

“It was evident that Troy is ready for some football,” said Shelia Jackson, Troy public relations director. “Tuesday’s Brown Bag was an opportunity for people to come out and meet the head football coaches from Troy University and our local high schools, to hear a great band in the Jim Bell Trio and to enjoy the fellowship of friends and neighbors.”

The Brown Bag event was billed as a kickoff to football season in Troy.

Troy Mayor Jason A. Reeves told the gathering that it means a lot for people to come out and show their support for the local football programs.

“We see out here today how important football is,” Reeves said. “Football teaches life lessons and makes better citizens. We appreciate the excitement that Coach Neal Brown is bringing to Trojan football. Troy University football is an economic driver for the city.”

Reeves said he recently attended a meeting of mayors and, to a one, they wished they had Troy University in their towns.

Pike Liberal Arts Coach Gene Allen said the football season looks promising for the Patriots with 13 returning seniors and some good kids coming up.

 

“We are looking forward to getting started,” he said. “Our kids have worked hard and have a chance to be a pretty good football team.”

The PLAS Patriots will travel to Alabaster tonight to play in the Kingwood Jamboree. They will play Coosa Valley and Evangel two quarters each.

Allen said the Jamboree will let the Patriots know where they stand and what they need to work on.

CHHS Coach Brad McCoy said, too, that his team is ready to strap on the helmets and play football. The Trojans will travel tonight to play the PCHS Bulldogs in their home stadium. It’s a rivalry game and one that the Trojans eagerly await.

“We practiced and now we are ready to play,” McCoy said. “We have 13 seniors on this year’s team and we’ll be looking to them to lead.

McCoy said the Trojans are appreciative of the support they get from the city.  They will show their appreciation to the city’s employees, law enforcement officers and first responders by honoring them at the Trojans’ first home game. They will be recognized on the field during pre-game ceremonies.

Troy University Coach Neal Brown said he is excited that the Trojans have six home games on their schedule. That will be good for the Trojans and the hometown folks.

“We will have a much better football team than last season,” Brown said.

“We ended the season strong. We played our best game at the last game and that carries over.”

Brown said this year’s schedule includes only one Power 5 team, Clemson, and that’s a much more favorable schedule than last year’s.

The Trojans defense will be its strength. The offense will be young but exciting to watch. The kicking game is solid. The Trojans will be competitive all around, Brown said.

Brown spoke to the parents in the crowd who might be dubious about letting their sons play football.

“Football is not that dangerous,” he said. “There are more head injuries in girls’ soccer than there are in football at all levels. Football is the best developer of young men going. So, if you have questions about your son playing, let me say that the rewards are worth the risks.”