Earlier this week, I had the chance to interview a meteorologist with the National Weather Service for a story on the unseasonably warm weather and the transition to fall.

During my conversation, I made the following comment: “It’s hot. I would like to file a complaint with someone. It’s not supposed to be this hot.”

Reacting like someone who had heard that joke an estimated 9,348 times, he calmly responded, “that’s not my department. That’s someone above me.”

Point made. On with business. What’s your next question Mr. Funny Man.

But, as I worked on that story, and again the one this weekend about the drought, I began to put a lot more thought on fall and all the things that come with it.

There are fall get-togethers like the upcoming Riverfront Market Days, Thursday’s barbecue at Sturdivant Hall or the early October Lobster Fest at St. Paul’s that go a long way in filling out your social calendar.

But, for me, there is nothing more “fallish” than a high school football game. I know the college guys have more pageantry, but there is nothing more telling about a community in Alabama than how they celebrate a Friday night.

Growing up in nothing more than a map dot along the Alabama Gulf Coast, going to the football game Friday night was a big deal. It was a social event, the place to see and be seen, as they would say.

And even though my high school days are well behind me, I’ve been fortunate enough to keep the Friday night social appointment thanks to my career as a sports writer, photographer, editor and the like.

For me, the game is important, but not the only thing. What helps make the experience great are all the things that happen around the game.

It’s the way the folks at the ticket booth welcome you or the way you can joke with the trainers and referees before the game.

It’s the wonderful smells coming from the concession stand areas as parent volunteers toss a long list of options on a grill.

It’s the ball boys off to the side playing their own version of football or the precision of the band as they enter the stadium.

For those of us who have grown up or lived for any length of time in the South — and in particular Alabama — the Friday night high school experience is more important than we will ever admit.

Remember, we’re the ones who put shoe polish on our windows a day or two in advance of a road game and the ones who have invested more than we can count on t-shirts, stadium seats, jackets, hats and buttons with the school’s logo on it.

It’s not just something to do. For many of us — yes, me included — it is the thing to do.

I know fall officially began late Wednesday, but for me, the season kicked off with the first high school football game in August. The calendar and temperatures may not agree, but really, what do they know about football? That’s our department.

Tim Reeves is editor of The Selma Times-Journal. He may be reached at 410-1730 or e-mail him at tim.reeves@selmatimesjournal.com