|
November 28, 2007 09:14 pm
AA title contenders get spirited send off
“They seem to be really excited and pumped up to support the team in Wheeling,” said Assistant Principal Susan Weikle as the cheerleaders she coaches prepared for the rally.
By GREG JORDAN
CNHI News Service
BLUEFIELD, W.Va. — Dreams of a Class AA state football championship are spurring two of the region’s most highly ranked teams and their supporters to fire up their spirits for Friday’s game in Wheeling.
Bluefield High School’s Beavers and the James Monroe High School Mavericks have been building up momentum for Friday’s contest, putting up posters and hosting send-offs and pep rallies in the days leading up to the big game.
In Bluefield, players’ lockers were decorated Wednesday in preparation for Thursday's send-off for the team. The game’s important, but the team is approaching it the same way it approaches every challenge, one player said. Every game is an important game.
“As a Beaver you play every game as if it’s your last,” said 18-year-old Deak Kersey, an outside linebacker for the team.
Carrie Newcomb, 17, of the Fellowship of Christian Athletes, said the players were in her organization’s thoughts.
“God has really blessed the team in getting this far,” she said. “And I really hope He will bless us again.”
James Monroe students held a pep rally Wednesday to cheer their team on for Friday’s game.
“They seem to be really excited and pumped up to support the team in Wheeling,” said Assistant Principal Susan Weikle as the cheerleaders she coaches prepared for the rally.
Cheerleader Mary Anne Sibold, 17, said the team and student body were ready.
“This week we’ve really been into this, and all the team’s worked really hard,” she said. “This is state, and this is the thing the county and the school needs. We’ve come so close, and I think we definitely need to win Friday night. Our team has worked so hard and they definitely deserve it.”
Back in Bluefield, many of the Beavers were sporting Mohawk haircuts during the playoffs as a symbol of unity, said player Ansel Ponder. The haircuts go along with the signs the fans make, he said.
Another Bluefield student athlete, 15-year-old Ashley Bailey said Friday’s championship is an example of good sportsmanship. She and other fans work hard to show the team their support.
“I scream and make up cheers and stuff,” Bailey said. “The thing is to get everybody excited and ready to go.”
Just before the James Monroe rally, 17-year-old team member Ernie Tincher said victory would be a landmark in history for his school. Having the right rival helps, too, he said.
“And it’ll be Bluefield, which is always a plus. Bluefield kind of enhances the state championship,” he said.
“Excited? Ah, yes. You’ll be excited by how excited we are,” said Montana Galvan, 16, said before the Mavericks rally.
Bluefield Beavers fans said they plan to demonstrate their excitement, too.
“We’ll be at the game,” said BHS student Charlie Merritt, 17. “I’ll probably be hoarse by the time the game starts.”
“It means a lot,” said Beavers quarterback Will Cole, 17. “I think the school is really excited to go up there and play.”
Greg Jordan writes for the Bluefield (W.Va.) Daily Telegraph.
|
