The start of fall means the return of high school + collegiate sports in Lakeland. If you're planning on hanging out under the Friday night lights or sitting courtside this year, consider this our crash course to local athletics.

College

Florida Southern College
Mascot: Mocs | Color to wear: Red
Soccer, cross country, and volleyball seasons kick off this September. Pro tip: You may run into cross country meets in Lakeland's Holloway Park.

Polk State College
Mascot: Eagles | Colors to wear: Black + red
Women's sports take the spotlight in fall — catch soccer in Lakeland and volleyball in Winter Haven.

Southeastern University
Mascot: Fire | Colors to wear: Black + red
Changes are coming to football games at Victory Field. General admission is now open seating, and there's a new end zone VIP experience.

PolkWay863 shared a few players to watch this football season with us: Martavius McCall of Lake Gibson, Jozia Scott from Victory Christian Academy (a private school), and Keon Young of Lakeland High. | Photos provided by @polkway863

Public high schools

George Jenkins High School
Mascot: Eagles | Colors to wear: Green + gold
The golf teams will tee off against other local schools at venues like Eaglebrooke and Cleveland Heights Golf Course.

Kathleen High School
Mascot: Red Devils | Colors to wear: Red + white
Super Bowl-winning linebacker Ray Lewis honed his skills here. Will another player follow in his footsteps this year?

Lakeland High School
Mascot: Dreadnaughts | Colors to wear: Orange + black
Don't forget to join the Dreadnaught Wave to kids at Lakeland Regional Medical Center during football games at Bryant Stadium.

Lake Gibson High School
Mascot: Braves | Colors to wear: Maroon + gold
The girls' volleyball season has already begun, but beach volleyball begins in the spring. Dig it?

McKeel Academy
Mascot: Wildcats | Colors to wear: Green + navy blue
Yes, bowling is a sport — and these charter schools are some of the only ones around that offer it.

Tenoroc High School
Mascot: Titans | Colors to wear: Purple, silver + white
The football team went winless last season, but with fans like you in the stands, we've got a good feeling about this year.