The Andalusia Bulldogs will put their school motto, “One-ness,” to the test tonight as they open the 2009 season by hosting city rival Straughn.

Andalusia coach Brian Seymore said all fans are asked to wear the school color, cardinal, to show their support for the team.

“It’s just something to try and see our whole fan base turn out in cardinal and have it stretched out to one side of the stadium to another,” Seymore said. “Cardinal is our home color and it will show the ‘one-ness’ and show that we are one in getting this community back behind this football program.”

Seymore is starting his second season as the Bulldogs’ coach. His first didn’t start out that well. Seymore’s first game at the helm of Andalusia’s program was a 50-26 loss at Straughn on Aug. 29, 2008.

Seymore said he expects his players to play at a “high level” on the field.

“Hopefully, we can eliminate the mistakes we made last year and not turn the ball over and not give up the big play on defense like we did last year,” he said. “I thought that the two biggest aspects of the game last year that we really struggled in were turnovers and big plays.”

In tonight’s game, senior quarterback Kenneth Chambers will start for the Bulldogs in place of Adam Zelensky, who is out with a dislocated shoulder.

Seymore said the players know what is at stake with the first game of the season.

“I think they understand the importance of it and how important it is to this community,” Seymore said. “I feel like our kids are prepared offensively and defensively and ready to go out and perform.”

Kick off in Andalusia is at 7 p.m.