With the holidays quickly approaching and prep sports kicking off seasons and playoffs, local fans have a variety of events to choose from.

Football in the River Parishes will be a premiere show, with the first round of playoffs set for next Friday. Each of the high schools in our area has captured a spot, and each has a shot to bring some normalcy and respectability to their campuses.

Volleyball is also ready to serve up some action, with their playoffs this week culminating in the state finals next Saturday in Lafayette. Fans can catch some passionate home games today and Monday as East St. John hosts Ponchatoula at 10:30 today and Riverside takes on North Iberville Monday at 5:30, all here in Reserve.

And for any basketball aficianados, Reserve Christian is back in full swing with a dominating 3-0 start. Coach Timmy Byrd has some resounding talent returning to that squad, with seven seniors including a homegrown prospect in Demond Carter. Already committed to Baylor University for his freshman season next year, Carter is the anchor on a defending championship team. This will be one of the schools not to miss for game time. Their next home match puts them up against a division 5A opponent in Holy Cross for what should be the first real competition that they will see this year. But I’d still count on an Eagles win if I were you.

The remaining high school basketball schedules are set to open in about a week since those schools are currently fielding football teams, but coaches are already getting geared up for a season that is still suffering the scheduling effects of a limping Orleans parish.

Soccer will also be kicking off later this month offering yet another escape from holiday shopping and bustle for parents who find themselves already gearing up for Thanksgiving.

So fans, support your teams. These kids are playing their hearts out. And there is a lot of talent out there for your viewing pleasure. After attending last week’s East St. John game and Thursday’s Riverside game, it’s a lot easier to expect a decent showing by professional athletes. Cuz some of theses kids are on their way there.