Friday nights during the fall are almost a guarantee to fill area high school football stadiums. The religion known as football is here, and area teams are primed and ready for the first kickoffs of the 2010 season.

The first games are just over two weeks away, and teams are hard at work practicing to be ready for the openers on Aug. 20.

Area teams have put in the hours in the off season in hopes for gridiron gold in November, however, the real test begins once the season starts. Here are previews of the first games for area schools.

Elkin vs. Surry Central

The Buckin' Elks will host the Surry Central Golden Eagles on Aug. 20 for the 2010 season opener. The Elks bested the Golden Eagles on their home turf last year 24-9.

This year, the Golden Eagles will attempt to pay the Elks back during the first game of the season. This year, Elkin's senior class will provide the basis for leadership on the field. Defense will be key for the Buckin' Elks if they want another season-opener victory like last year.

Starmount vs. Mount Airy

The Rams will host the Mount Airy Granite Bears on Aug. 20 to start the season. Last year, the Rams were defeated 41-28.

The Rams got off to a rough start with two fumbles, but were able to gather their composure and gave the Bears a run for their money. In the end, despite a hard-fought effort, the Rams were overwhelmed by the defending state champs.

It's a safe bet to say the Rams are looking for payback, and with the likes of Jake Barr and M.J. Bryant returning, the Rams have the experience from last year's game to their advantage.

East Wilkes vs. West Davidson

The East Wilkes Cardinals will travel to Lexington to kick off the 2010 season against the West Davidson Dragons. The Cardinals slayed the Dragons last year, 50-26.

The Cardinals have done the work in the preseason, hitting the weights three days a week, and bulking up.

The East Wilkes O-line returns one of the stronger rosters in recent years, and will get a test of competition on Aug. 20.

The season opener should be a good measure of how the Cardinals will stack up against their schedule this season.