We hear so much about how young people today are falling victim to society’s ills. The best way to help today’s generation: Buy a ticket to an extracurricular school-sponsored activity.

This point is driven home during the annual football ticket sales rush which begins today at Griffin High and tomorrow at Spalding High. More specifically, Griffin High season football tickets go on sale from 8 a.m., until 3 p.m., today through Friday at the Griffin High main office, while Spalding High season football tickets go on sale Thursday at the Spalding High main office.

The Bears have three home games this season: Sept. 14 against Jonesboro, Sept. 28 against Stockbridge and Oct. 19 against North Clayton. Season ticket prices are $18 for adults, and $15 for seniors and students. Game-day ticket prices at the school — available to Griffin High students only — include $5 for students (only one per student), $6 for seniors and $8 for adults.

All other tickets sales will be sold at the gate on game night and are $6 for seniors and $8 for adults and students. Please note, Griffin will be the visitors for the Griffin-Spalding High game on Nov. 2.

At SHS, prices are $30 for adults and $25 for students and golden agers 62 and over. Pike County pre-season scrimmage tickets are $6. The Jaguars have home games this season: Aug. 31 against Lamar County, Sept. 7 against Rutland, Sept. 27 against Dutchtown and Oct. 26 against North Clayton as well as the aforementioned game Nov. 2 against Griffin.

Going to these games not only shows support for football, but also other school-sponsored athletics in general, in addition to cheerleading, band and even ROTC. In the end, many benefit. Win, lose or draw, there’s something to be said for just showing support.

It’s money well-spent. Put simply, it goes to fund programs that time and again have proven to be the best way to keep kids off the streets and out of trouble. The best part is 100 percent of the money stays local, helping young men and young women right here in our community and county — maybe some who live on your block or even next door.

Furthermore, high school athletics are sports at its purest. Pro, and even college athletes today, have become far too conceited and jaded. While talent soars, attitudes become sour, bitter and rotten. Serious scandals rock the pro and college sports worlds far too often, while high school remains far enough removed so as to not become consumed.

(John Sullivan is the sports editor at the Griffin Daily News.)