Above, the Early County Middle School cheerleaders help get the spirits going during last week's Tailgate Kickoff on Court Square. A large crowd gathered late Thursday afternoon for a spirit parade led by the Early County High marching band and introduction of Early County and Southwest Georgia Academy senior football and softball athletes, cheerleaders, and senior band members.

The annual Tailgate Kickoff is sponsored each year by the Blakely Hometown committee to help the community get in the spirit for the approaching football and softball seasons.

The Bulldogs have Larry Munson, the voice of the Bobcats is Billy Joe Jordan, pictured here with Collin Wilson.