Beaufort County is officially less than two weeks removed from the first kickoff of the 2016 football season. However, to some, the amount of work being put in may make it feel like the season is already here.

Of course, the athletes and coaches have spent many hours already under the sun. Each coaching staff has been analyzing its personnel, figuring out what tweaks to the offensive and defensive systems need to be made to be successful in the coming months.

Washington, Northside and Southside all plan on having plenty of success this year — and for good reason, too.

Northside returns an experienced bunch from last year’s underwhelming season. While they only picked up two wins in 2015, the Panthers are confident that last year’s experience combined with the team’s size will yield a fruitful campaign.

Washington and Southside, on the other hand, simply don’t have any plans of lowering the bar they’ve set over the past few seasons. The Pam Pack played for the 2014 state championship and fell short by just a point while the Seahawks made it to the eastern regional final, but ran into the eventual champion in Plymouth.

There’s a bit more to that desired success than the work of the coaches and players, though. Of course, it comes down to what the coaches teach the players and how they execute on Friday nights.

However, fans in the community can do their part to support their respective teams. Parents have stopped by and even stayed through entire practices this summer, observing the rudimentary preview of the team and even cheering them on.

Washington and Southside fans got their first peek of the excitement of football season late last night when both teams hosted midnight scrimmages. The Pam Pack faithful got the chance to support the team in more ways than simply packing the stands and cheering them on. Attendees were asked to bring water or Gatorade in lieu of the price of admission. Those donations were stored and should help fuel the players throughout the season.

The Pam Pack, Seahawks and Panthers will host a few more scrimmages apiece before the regular season kicks off. Washington will host Edenton on Wednesday at 10 a.m. Northside will host Southside and Manteo later that evening at 6 p.m. Friday will see Southside host Washington and Northside at 6 p.m.

These preseason scrimmages are an effective way for fans to contribute to the team’s preparations simply by adding to the excitement. Each team has practiced with plenty of energy thus far and the sight of fans in the stands will only add to that.

Scrimmage schedule:

Wednesday, Aug. 10

Edenton at Washington, 10 a.m.

Southside and Manteo at Northside, 6 p.m.

Friday, Aug. 12

Washington and Northside at Southside, 6 p.m.