'Tis that wonderful time of year when the Friday night lights glow brightest, teams play the toughest, and the crowd is the loudest.
Fall sports is upon is, and there is no better way to get hyped up more than bringing Bulloch County's Football teams downtown for the biggest community pep rally. Every month, a First Friday event is held in downtown Statesboro to bring the community together to try out new vendors, socialize, and sometimes enjoy live music.
Kicking the evening off was Portal Middle High School who wasted no time coming out and showing their spirit. Coach Jason McEachin with the Portal Middle High Varsity Football team came to the front of the courthouse, and the crowd was greeted with a show from the cheerleaders.
Coach McEachin then gave the crowd an update on this season, while thanking Band Director John Gleissner and Varsity Cheerleading Coach Ashley NeSmith for all their hard work. Coach McEachin acknowledges that with the new schedule, the team will have a target on them, but he says "We will not be hunted." He also states that new and old faces on the team have a lot of potential and they are very talented.
Mr. Gleissner came and got the crowd hyped up with a Portal Panther chant. He thanked the crowd for all of the support that they've given them. He spoke about how impressed he was with the band and their accomplishments that they've gotten and told everyone to come out to their first competition the "Rumble in the Jungle" on September 29th at Southeast Bulloch.
Keyshia Rountree, owner of Cheer South, then came out to greet the crowd and invite them to the Cheer South area to the left of the courthouse where the young cheer teams were performing some very athletic stunts.
Next on the itinerary, the Southeast Bulloch Yellow Jackets were up on the courthouse steps starting strong with Coach Marci Cochran and their flag football team. She assured the crowd that they were looking to have another great season and thanked all of the team and coaches for all that they do.
Following flag football was Coach Jared Zito and the Yellow Jackets football team. Coach Zito expressed his excitement for the season, and thanked the cheer team and the band. Southeast Bulloch Cheer Coach Gillian McGalliard announced that they started a JV squad last year and that they've been working hard all summer, and she also recognized the seniors.
To end the night off, Coach Matthew Dobson and the Statesboro High Blue Devils took the stage with the cheer team to thank the community and the band for making the home-field advantage important. He then reflected on last season and said his players are hungry for more success and look forward to starting that in their first scrimmage.
Senior cheerleader Sophia Pellegrino then announced all of the seniors on the cheer team this year, and expressed her excitement to root for the football team this year.
Overall, it was a great night to kick off August. It is a great reminder of what's to come, as well. Look forward to supporting our Bolluch County School sports this fall, pack the stands, and show these kids the love and support for chasing their dreams.
