The white stripes were painted on the fields. The grass was trimmed to the perfect height. The parking lots were full. The stands were packed. The teams were pumped and ready to go. Only one thing was missing.

&uot;Got everything but an opponent,&uot; said Natchez High athletic director Dr. Wayne Barnett.

Natchez and Cathedral High Schools held kick-off pep rallies Friday night at their football stadiums, ushering in new athletic seasons. Each schools’ sports teams were introduced and dance and cheerleading squads performed as fans got a look at the players for the year.

Trinity held its pep rally on Tuesday. Adams County Christian Academy holds its tomorrow.

&uot;It’s a good way to open up the season,&uot; said Cathedral athletic director Roy Garcia. &uot;(The pep rally) lets everyone mix and mingle.&uot;

Natchez’s south grandstand was more than half full for its gathering. Barnett said that grandstand’s capacity is 8,200. The crowd was &uot;far more than we anticipated.&uot; Cathedral had a couple hundred supporters.

This was the first year Natchez held its pep rally at the stadium. It used to take place at the Natchez Mall. Garcia said it’s been a Cathedral tradition for years.

&uot;It’s a lot of electricity in the air right now,&uot; Garcia said. &uot;Everybody anxious and ready.&uot;

Vidalia hosts a jamboree tonight. Ferriday, Block, Newellton, Jena and Vidalia will participate.

Football season kicks off around the area next week with a full slate of games.

Cathedral plays Block High next Friday at D’Evereaux Stadium. Natchez takes on Wilkinson County at Natchez High.

Vidalia ventures to Franklin County. Ferriday tackles Newellton at home. ACCS goes to Simpson. Wilkinson County Christian Academy travels to Silliman.

Trinity treks to Union. Huntington hosts Glenbrook.