Even after this late-September warm stretch passes, there will be plenty of heated debate and discussion on The Game, Fredericksburg's new all-sports radio station (WYSK-AM 1350).

A quick disclaimer: The Game is owned by The Star Radio Group, part of The Free Lance-Star Publishing Cos.

Still, there's no question that the station fills a void in this area. Until now, the only local sports broadcasts have been WFLS-FM's NASCAR races and WGRQ-FM 95.9's coverage of Redskins and University of Virginia football. WGRQ dropped its high school football game of the week a few years back, and the local cable station (most recently owned by Adelphia) went out of business in 2009.

Plus, many of the sports talk stations in D.C. don't have signals strong enough to be heard clearly here, especially if you're south of town.

And if (heaven forbid) you're not a Redskins fan, you probably don't care to tune in to WJFK-FM 106.7, where Albert Haynesworth's fitness and Donovan McNabb's contract qualify as obsessions, to the exclusion of almost any other topic.

Need tips for your fantasy league team? Want to vent about the Steelers, Packers, Red Sox, LeBron James or Kyle Busch? Now you have an outlet to listen and give your opinion.

The Game carries ESPN talk programs such "Mike and Mike in the Morning" (6-10 a,m.) and Colin Cowherd's "Herd" (10 a.m.-noon), plus Jim Rome's syndicated daily show (noon-3 p.m.) and Saturday college football studio shows.

Also featured is Westwood One's coverage of NFL games and Major League Baseball's entire postseason schedule. "The Game" will carry an NFL doubleheader every Sunday, plus the Sunday and Monday night games--with the exception of Redskins broadcasts, which are aired locally on WGRQ.

Said station general manager John Moen: "People in this area are passionate about sports, and this area has no sports station. There isn't a sports brand as powerful as ESPN, so we're filling a need with the absolute best product available."

And that's just a start. The Game made its debut Sept. 9 and, like any newborn, is just getting its feel for its new environment. Its website is under construction, and at the moment all the content is syndicated.

But station officials plan to add local high school sports updates and forums, where fans can discuss the Battlefield District football race, Atlantic Coast Conference basketball or any other hot topic. They also want to expand future coverage of D.C.-area pro teams.

I also think we have the best Redskins reporter in the business in Rich Campbell. Look for his insight--plus that of The Free Lance-Star's other talented sports reporters--soon.

So tune in and enjoy. With no shortage of topics to discuss and debate, local fans should find plenty of fun in The Game.