The Sweet Potato Bowl is back on!

Southern Nash has released its 2011 varsity football schedule and it will begin it with the renewal of the Sweet Potato Bowl - the Firebirds vs. SouthWest Edgecombe.

The two old rivals, who haven't played the last two seasons, will get together in their respective season openers on Friday, Aug. 19 at Southern Nash.

The Firebirds will also play Wilson Beddingfield, Bunn, Roanoke Rapids and South Granville in the non-conference part of their schedule. Gone are Franklinton and a non-conference tilt with Big East member Nash Central.

If you were looking for a Nov. playing date on their slate, there won't be one.

The NCHSAA has shorten the regular season from 12 weeks to 11. So you will likely see many more teams playing just 10 games instead of 11(giving up endowment games) and not sacrificing their open dates. Southern will be open on Sept. 23.

2011 SOUTHERN NASH FOOTBALL SCHEDULE

• Aug. 19 -- SOUTHWEST EDGECOMBE
• Aug. 26 -- WILSON BEDDINGFIELD
• Sept. 2 -- BUNN
• Sept. 9 -- at Roanoke Rapids
• Sept. 16 -- at South Granville
• Sept. 30 -- at Wilson Fike
• Oct. 7 -- NORTHERN NASH
• Oct. 14 -- at Wilson Hunt
• Oct. 21 -- at Rocky Mount
• Oct. 28 -- NASH CENTRAL