If you live in Southwest Virginia, you should know that Christmas, New Year's Day, Easter, Veterans Day, Memorial Day, and the first game of the high school football season are all considered big holidays.

Even though the beginning of high school football season might not be included on the calendar of holidays maintained by the state or the federal government, it is a safe bet to assume that the majority of households in the mountainous region of Virginia will mark or highlight the first kickoff of the season.

Fans in Southwest Virginia are ready for the pad-popping, eye-opening play that is high school football after having to wait through offseason drills and conditioning, spring and summer 7-on-7 practises and competitions, preseason scrimmages, jamborees, and benefit games. Fans have been patiently waiting through all of these events.

On Thursday night, there will be two matches to choose from.

J.I. Burton takes a quick trip down U.S. 23, all the way to Bullitt Park in Big Stone Gap, where the formidable Union Bears are waiting for him.

The other game of the night is a Southwest District matchup, and Virginia High will be making the trip from Bristol to Tazewell to compete in it.

On Friday, the action gets underway with a plethora of thrilling matchups, one of which being Eastside's contest against Wise Central, which takes place in Wise County.

As Abingdon competes in a Mountain 7 District game at John Battle, the honour of Washington County is also on the line.

In addition to these games, Gate City will take on Richlands at home, Lee High will go to Tennessee High, Hurley will play at Rye Cove, and Northwood will make the trip to Twin Springs.

There is a lot of excitement surrounding every programme.

VOLLEYBALL STARTING STRONG

The level of excitement surrounding other high school sports is not less than that surrounding football.

This week saw the beginning of the season for a number of volleyball schools, all of which harbour ambitions of competing in playoff play throughout the months of October and November.

The Mountain 7 District is loaded with talented students and will be a dogfight to the end. This district includes Union, Gate City, Abingdon, Lee High and John Battle, as well as Wise Central and Ridgeview.

It is anticipated that Eastside and Rye Cove will once again compete at the top of the Class 1 Cumberland District standings.

However, a number of other people are competing with each other to play the part of the spoiler.

GRAND BASKETBALL TOURNEY FIELD SET

The far Southwest region of Virginia will play host to the region's largest holiday high school basketball tournament, which will include a field of 12 teams.

At the Virginia-Wise Prior Center, the Grand Home Furnishings Holiday Classic that is being hosted by WDIC Radio is expected to get underway on Wednesday, December 26.