By ALEC ETHEREDGE | Sports Editor

NORTH SHELBY – The football season is quickly approaching for the Oak Mountain Eagles with the first game scheduled for Friday, Aug. 23, with the Chelsea Hornets, but a week before kicking off the 2019 season against their rivals, the Eagles will host Eagle Day on Saturday, Aug. 17.

From 4 p.m. until 9 p.m., fans, family and friends of the Oak Mountain football teams and the Oak Mountain community will be able to come together to enjoy a day of food, fun, music and football as the Eagles gear up for the 2019 season.

While the event will have a big focus around the high school team, youth teams will also be showcased throughout the day, while the dance team, majorettes, cheerleaders and band will all perform.

The event will start at 4 p.m. and each 30 minutes teams from kindergarten through eighth grade will participate in scrimmages along with the cheerleaders performing.

From 6:40-7 p.m. the Oak Mountain Middle School dance team and majorettes will perform ahead of the Oak Mountain High School freshman football team competing from 7:05-7:35 p.m.

Then, at 7:40, Eagle Day will gear up for the main event.

There will be a pre-game time for the varsity scrimmage followed by the Spirit of Cahaba marching band taking to the field at 8 p.m., which also includes the dance team and majorettes. They’ll perform the National Anthem before an all-athlete parade of opening ceremonies kicks off the 2019 season.

Then from 8:25-8:55 p.m., the varsity football team will compete in a scrimmage in front of the crowd to prepare for their first game a week later.

Oak Mountain will enter the 2019 football season coming off a 2-8 season a year ago, but with the return of an exciting starting quarterback and a deep core of running backs, there is excitement surrounding the team ahead of the new year.

Through Eagle Day, fans will get a first look at what to expect from the team this season, as the Eagles prepare for one of the toughest regions in the state.

Entrance to the event will be $10, while merchandise, food and other fun will be available. All proceeds benefit the Oak Mountain High School athletic department and its facilities.