Helmets from opposing teams will collide tomorrow night, signalling the start of the high school football season.

Teams throughout the county will participate in preseason jamboree games, the first inter-squad competition since last season for schools that didn’t play in a spring game.

The action gets under way Thursday at Calera’s Cairns Stadium.

The Calera jamboree will showcase a battle of Shelby County schools versus Chilton County schools with Vincent taking on Verbena at 6:30 p.m. and the Eagles battling Isabella at 8 p.m.

The games will feature three 12-minute quarters each.

Some real-game action could be beneficial for Calera, who will rely on

young players to fill holes left by a host of graduating seniors.

&uot;It’s good getting to play against someone else’s first team,&uot; Calera coach Ken Adams said. &uot;You feel a lot more safe on your own practice field. But when you get into a game situation and the fans are there and the lights are on, it’s a little bit of a different situation.

&uot;In a jamboree there is not as much pressure,&uot; Adams said. &uot;It gives you a chance to get the nerves and jitters out.&uot;

The Thompson Warriors will also play a Thursday-night jamboree game, squaring off against Hillcrest-Tuscaloosa.

Montevallo High School travels to Jemison for a 7:30 p.m. game.

After playing last season in Class 4A, Shelby County will join the 5A ranks this season. The Wildcats hope to prepare for the jump with a jamboree

matchup against 6A Oak Mountain. The Wildcats and the Eagles will go head-to-head at 7 p.m. Friday night at the Heardmont Sportsplex in North Shelby.

Chelsea will host Coosa-Central Friday night at 7 p.m. and Pelham will host Moody at 7:30 p.m.

Briarwood Christian will take on Shades Valley at Vestavia Friday at 6 p.m., followed by Spain Park vs. Homewood