Bright lights, cheering fans and the sonic roar of bands will hit Homer Sharp Stadium tonight as the first game of the season kicks off football Fridays in Newton County.

Tonight, hometown high-school rivals Newton and Eastside will battle it out on the field at 7:30 p.m. and the Alcovy High Tigers will travel to Jones County to take on the Greyhounds at 7 p.m. As the football season begins, Darren Berry, athletic director for Newton County Schools, reminds fans of a few guidelines for attending school sports events.

Berry said the football field is considered by law to be an extension of school property. Therefore, items that are banned in school buildings are also banned at sporting events sponsored by the Newton County School System. Such items include but are not limited to tobacco, drugs, alcohol and weapons, he said.

"A good rule of thumb is: If you would not carry it into a school building, you should not carry it into the stadium," Berry said.

Multiple school system employees, Newton County Sheriff’s Office deputies, and Covington Police Department officers will be stationed throughout the stadium for security purposes, he said.

He said games pitting two Newton County teams, such as tonight’s Newton vs. Eastside matchup, will have more law enforcement assigned, as these games draw larger crowds.

"Attendees who are found to be in possession of any items banned on school property are subject to ejection and possible prosecution," Berry said.

Tickets for varsity football games in Newton County are $8 for adults and students; tickets for junior varsity football games are $6 for adults and $4 for students; and tickets for middle school football games are $5 for adults and $4 for students.