With the first official Football Friday of the season just hours away, we are anxious to kick off the season with the publication of our 68th season preview.

Athletes, coaches and fans are ready. So are we. After weeks of hard work and preparation, the football tab arrives on your doorstep ahead of the big games this week.

The special edition will be an insert in Friday’s Messenger, with 64 pages of content covering all of our area schools.

Comprehensive reports from Fort Dodge, St. Edmond, Iowa Central and the 16 Messengerland programs are included in both story and photo form. Schedules and player breakdowns offer a taste of what’s to come from each squad.

This award-winning preview, which was first published in 1958, is a preseason staple for area readers. It is the oldest and last of its kind in Iowa.

Turn to our sports team on Friday and all season long. We have you covered!