The beginning of school is an exciting time and a tough time.

For some, it’s the unfortunate conclusion of summer vacation, but for others, it means getting back together with friends, coworkers and starting fresh, as everyone tries to make this school year the best one yet.

It’s also an exciting time in the sports world, as it also means the start to regular season football is drawing closer.

Tonight, both of the Washington Parish football teams in the Mississippi Association of Independent Schools, Ben’s Ford Christian School and Bowling Green School, have  scrimmages.

Both are on the road.

Ben’s Ford enters this year after making history last season when the football team made the playoffs for the first time in the program’s history.

The Eagles lost to Silliman Institute, 40-0, in the opening round of postseason, capping a 6-5 season, including the playoff game.

Today, Ben’s Ford travels to Simpson Academy to face the Cougars.

After this game, the Eagles are hosting a jamboree on Aug. 14 before opening their regular season the following week.

Across the parish, Bowling Green is coming off of a tough season that saw the Buccaneers finish with a 2-7 mark.

The Bucs are making their way to Silliman Institute tonight for a three-way scrimmage. Wilkinson County Christian Academy is also in the scrimmage.

Following today’s scrimmage, the Buccaneers are taking part in Ben’s Ford’s jamboree Aug. 14 before beginning the regular season Aug. 21.

The four Washington Parish football teams in the Louisiana High School Athletic Association, Bogalusa, Franklinton, Pine and Varnado, have scrimmages at different locations Aug. 20. On Aug. 28, the four compete in jamborees. Pine and Varnado will be playing Albany and East Iberville, respectively, at Live Oak. Franklinton is facing John Curtis at Mandeville, and Bogalusa is taking on Northlake Christian School at Covington.

Good luck to everyone this season.