Homecoming is in the air for three Covington County schools this week as Straughn, Red Level and Florala High Schools all prepare to greet alumni and celebrate the kindred spirit that is a part of life in this area.

Numerous festivities have been planned for throughout the week at each school, with Friday being the big day.

Along with the big Homecoming Games Friday night, the myriad of activities include everything from class versus class competitions to decorating contests to bonfires.

At Straughn High School, the week's festivities include daily competitions between the classes each day, sponsored by the Student Council. Tonight, SHS keeps the festivities going with a bonfire at 6:30 p.m., where they hope to keep the spirits hot and burn the Lions of Central-Hayneville.

On Friday, the big day arrives with a school-wide pep rally at 1:10 p.m. where the 2003 Homecoming Queen will be announced. Her crowning will follow during pre-game festivities at 7 p.m., before the Tigers tackle the Lions at 7:30 p.m.

At Red Level, the Tigers have been preparing all week to do battle with the Raiders from Houston Academy.

Class door competitions are underway, with the theme of movies. Doors already completed range from the summer hit "Holes" to the football blockbuster "Remember the Titans."

Friday's activities get underway at 8 a.m., according to school officials with competitions between the different classes, and then at 10:10 a.m., a special assembly is planned where alumni and former students will be recognized and classes can show their RLS spirit. The Homecoming Queen and her court will also be announced at that time.

At 11 a.m., a reception for the seniors, alumni, faculty and former students of the school will be held. At 1:10 p.m., a pep rally will be held to fire up all RLS Tiger fans for the big game.

Florala High School keeps the Homecoming activities going this week, with the big game against Pleasant Home High School Friday night.

The Homecoming Queen will be crowned and her court announced at 7:15 p.m. at the stadium, prior to the game.

Other activities for Homecoming include a bonfire tonight at Lake Jackson, beginning at 7 p.m., and a school pep rally at 2 p.m. at the stadium, with all of the Florala schools attending.

Instead of a Homecoming parade with floats, FHS students create school spirit displays which are viewed at the pep rally.

The senior band members will also be recognized at the Friday night game.

- Mary Reeves contributed to this story.