People go to football games to watch football. Yes, I know that.

But there is a lot of work and support for the team that oftentimes gets overlooked or even dismissed.

Cheerleaders and band members work and practice hard in the summer too. While the work might not be as physically demanding as two-a-days, how many of us can do a somersault or carry tuba.

Being in the band or cheering also takes dedication and many long hours.

I know this because I used to live right next door to Montevallo’s band practice field while I was a student at the University — many summer days I was awaken by French horns blaring, giving the early morning dew its swan song.

To that end, Thorsby’s Southern Pride Rebel Band earns kudos for the many honors they recently won at the Lake Martin Invitational Marching Contest last week. The band earned superior marks in all categories: drum major, colorguard, percussion and marching band.

Bands and cheerleaders add so much to Friday night games, it’s nice to see them get some recognition.