Fall sports season typically draws a lot of fans, especially to high school football games, but post-season match-ups offer the best evidence of the true athletic supporters.
As the season progresses for local football teams the crowds tend to dwindle in size, typically as the weather grows cooler, and bleachers for away games are often emptier than the athletes would like.
As three local teams have progressed through the post-season, however, we have been pleased with the level of support not only at the games, but in the communities as well.
Residents in Cassopolis have changed out their porch lights with Ranger blue bulbs to show their spirit to support the football team, which faces Detroit Loyola in the state semifinals this Saturday.
Buchanan staff and community members followed the varsity volleyball team on the road and cheered their hearts out alongside students and parents as the team finally took home the regional championship several members have been fighting for for years. The Herd — the school’s spirit squad — has made it clear that it intends to follow the team as far as it goes. We have no doubt there will be a big crowd in Battle Creek cheering on the Bucks this weekend.
Edwardsburg’s football fan base has always been loud and proud, with people from all over Edwardsburg and even surrounding communities donning Eddie orange, decorating storefronts and selling special products in honor of the team that has now won two regional championships in three years. The Eddies will face Muskegon, ranked first in the division, at East Kentwood High School Saturday.
It is obvious that we have some tremendous athletes and coaches in southwest Michigan, but the support of our communities — ranging from students and parents to alumni and area residents — is incredibly important for our students’ success.
It has been great to see so many fans on the road this season. We hope you keep up the great work and continue to give athletes the support they deserve.

Opinions expressed are those of the editorial board consisting of General Manager and editors Ted Yoakum and Scott Novak.