The new field at Bradwell Institute’s Olvey Field/Hokey Jackson Stadium gets it great unveiling Friday evening – and likely in front of a capacity crowd.

The Tigers welcome crosstown rival Liberty County for the first game of the football season, and the respective coaches are not only anxious for the game but also are happy it is first on the schedule.

“As you get closer to this week, the intensity and focus gets ratcheted up,” Tigers coach DeShon Brock said. “This is an important game for the community and the kids. This is the game they talk about. It’s a great test coming out the gate.”

Brock and Liberty County coach Tony Glazer agreed to move their game to the opener. Glazer said it helps to build the excitement for the start of the season. For the Panthers, it is their only non-region game on the schedule.

“It’s played exactly when it should be,” the Panthers coach said. “You never look past anybody. There is still a mindset, we’ve got Bradwell next week.”

Bradwell’s non-region schedule is limited too – the Tigers travel to Albany next week to face Westover and begin their Region 1-AAAAA play in three weeks, after an open date.

“It allows us to focus on region play,” Brock said. “It’s good to have bye week after Westover. That gives us an extra week to heal up.”

As for the new turf field, which replaced the grass that had been the playing surface since the Tigers started football, it is meeting rave reviews. Liberty’s field is expected to be ready on time for its home opener September 6 against Jenkins.

“It’s a palace,” Brock said. “We’re blessed. We’re blessed the board of education and Dr. (Franklin) Perry and Dr. (Zheadric) Barbra had the foresight and the vision to get this.”

Kickoff is set for 7:30 p.m.

Liberty County vs. Bradwell Institute

Where: Olvey Field/Hokey Jackson Stadium

When: Friday, 7:30 p.m. 

Tickets: Gofan.com