The shift from baseball to football is mighty quick.

Early this month, I spent some time covering what would, I thought, be my last bout of baseball for the year.

This weekend, more than 70 baseball and softball teams will converge in Poarch and at the city of Atmore Cal Ripken/Babe Ruth League Fields for the Native American Youth Organization tournament.

Boys and girls ages 7-17 are going to be competing in the double elimination tournament over the next three days, vying for the title.

Teams from around the country are slated to participate in the annual tournament.

This tournament is a big deal for the city of Atmore.

From sales tax revenue to the lodging tax that the city collects, this week’s tournament, along with the other Native American tournament in August (NASA) will be beneficial for the city.

Why talk about the baseball and softball tournaments coming up when football is on everybody’s mind?

Because if you’re any typical sports reporter or editor in the south, that’s where your mind has turned toward.

The switch is automatic for me when July 1 comes around. That’s when I start planning for our annual football magazine, which highlights each of the area schools.

I have already interviewed two football coaches and am scheduled to get the third today.

Player features will also be a part of the publication. The magazine will be published on Wed., Aug. 16.

We at The Atmore Advance do hope you enjoy this year’s football magazine when it comes out next month.

If you’re wondering what I’m thinking about right now, then don’t think too hard because it’s obvious that it’s football.

Come on high school and college football season, get here already.