For many areas of the South, the social calendar in the fall surrounds high school and college football.

Many friends and family joke — but they are serious — about not scheduling anything important on a Friday evening or Saturday, because there is a good chance no one is showing up.

Yet, there are still those who insist on scheduling their wedding on the weekend Ole Miss and State have important SEC contests. Many would agree those are the couples you send cards to, rather than attend the wedding.

But, those Friday evenings at the stadium, or Saturdays on campus don’t just happen at the drop of the hat; those who are participating in the game, cheering on the sideline, coaching or playing in the band, just wake up one morning and say “alright, it’s game day, let’s get started.”

Instead, the work for those nights and afternoons began months earlier, often when the weather was far less forgiving than the cool autumn evenings or afternoons we all enjoy.

Football players battle triple-digit heat indices throughout the summer training, while band members and cheerleaders spend days and weeks at camp, hours in rehearsal and drill. As for coaches, there is no offseason; there really isn’t any time away from the game.

As the days wind down until the start of football season, it is easy for us fans to get excited, to make sure our tickets are in a safe hiding place, and that our tailgating recipes are tested and ready.

Just know that while us fans have our passing fancies about the upcoming season, there are many who sweating, practicing and getting ready at a far higher level than us fans will ever know.

For fans, it’s a game. For others, it’s far more important and personal.