ROBERTSON COUNTY — Football is back, and by the end of the night on August 28, fans across Robertson County will have their first real look at what the 2026 season could hold. Franklin, Hearne, Bremond and Calvert all open their seasons that Friday, each heading into the fall with a different story. Franklin is looking for another deep playoff run, Bremond returns a strong group from a 13-win season, Hearne is starting fresh under a new head coach and Calvert will lean on a young roster. Franklin opens at home against La Vega at 7 p.m. The Lions finished 9-3 last season and won District 12-3A Division I before falling to Columbus, 34-21, in the regional semifinals. Head coach Mark Fannin enters his seventh season with another experienced group. Seniors AJ Phillips, Garrison Ramby and Jackson Hutchison are among the players expected to lead the way. Franklin will face Newton on September 4, take an open week and then travel to Robinson on September 18 before district play begins September 25. Hearne also starts at home, taking on Thrall at 7 p.m. The game will be the first regular-season test for new head coach Jeff Rogers, who takes over a team that went 2-8 last year. The Eagles return 21 lettermen and 14 starters, including quarterback James Benford III. Gregory Henderson Jr., Andre Carraby, Nigel Sweed I, Kyron Jackson, Kelton Cooks and Jayden Young are also among the returning players. Hearne hosts Burton on September 4 before making the short trip to Bremond on September 11. Bremond enters the season with plenty of momentum after finishing 13-1 and reaching the Class 2A Division II Region III final last year. Head coach Jeff Kasowski returns seven starters on offense and seven on defense. Senior quarterback Sam Kasowski is back after throwing for 2,478 yards and 31 touchdowns in 2025, while Tyriq Scott, Jeramiah Morgan, Jaden Scott and Rashaud McGee add more experience. The Tigers open at home against Hamilton at 7:30 p.m. on August 28, travel to Marlin on September 4 and host Hearne on September 11. Calvert enters 2026 with a younger group after finishing 4-6 and reaching the first round of the playoffs last season. Second-year head coach Marcus Wortham will look to players including Santiago Hernandez and Zion Joshua to help lead the Trojans as younger players settle into varsity football. Calvert opens on the road against BVCHEA at 7:30 p.m. on August 28. The Trojans then face Aquilla on September 4 and First Baptist Christian on September 11 before returning home against Jonesboro on September 18. For football fans across Robertson County, the wait is almost over. Friday night lights return August 28.