JACKSONVILLE – The Jacksonville State football team played its final scrimmage of the fall on Saturday, bringing an end to the three-week camp. After a quick break to grab some lunch, the Gamecocks headed over to Stephenson Hall for their annual Football Fan Day.
 
"This is how you know fall camp is over," head coach John Grass said. "This means it's game week. The last scrimmage of the fall followed by Fan Day kind of wraps all that up, gives us a chance to catch our breath and meet all of our fans."
 
Fans, cheerleaders, coaches and football players crowded the Stephenson Hall gymnasium for nearly two hours Saturday afternoon following the morning's 11 a.m. scrimmage. Fans picked up free posters, met the 2018 football team, received autographs and took photos with Cocky while on campus. Many made the short trek over from Burgess-Snow Field after watching the team's final intrasquad matchup.
 
"This is a fun day for our guys," Grass said. "They like meeting their supporters, signing poster and just getting to hang out. I don't think there are any fans better than the ones we have. Our fans are loyal, and I believe that group has gown a lot. The folks that are here today are the ones that are in the stands come rain, shine, snow, sleet or whatever."
 
Redshirt senior Joseph Roberts took part in his fifth Fan Day today, signing autographs and taking photos with hundreds of fans. He said it is one of his favorite parts of the football season.
 
"We had a big turnout today," Roberts said. "I think it's one of the best we've ever had. I think it does a great job in bringing the community together, and it gives us the chance to meet and interact with our fans. We have the best fans in the OVC and the FCS."
 
With fall camp and the final scrimmage in the review mirror, the Gamecocks now go into game-prep mode. Jacksonville State opens the season one week from Saturday against No. 14 North Carolina A&T on ESPN, and just as Coach Grass has said all fall, Roberts echoed the sentiment; the team is ready to hit the field for the season's first game.
 
"It's time," Roberts said. "The season is here. We've worked hard all fall camp to get ready for this first game. Coach always says we play it game-by-game, so next Saturday means it's the most important game."
 
JSU opens its season on Aug. 25 vs. No. 14 North Carolina A&T in the Guardian Credit Union FCS Kickoff in Montgomery, Ala., on ESPN. The Gamecocks home opener will be Sept. 8 vs. Mississippi Valley State. For ticket information on the opener and for JSU's five home games, contact the JSU Ticket Office at (256) 782-8499 or visit www.JSUGamecockSports.com/Tickets.