Former Pioneer football players who dream of putting on a helmet and shoulder pads one more time will get that chance.
Warren County has scheduled an alumni football game against Tullahoma in August.
Of note, the game is a fundraiser for WCHS football. And, it’s full-contact tackle football.
“We’re going to try and take it to them,” said Alan Perkins, a former Pioneer RB who is spearheading the local team. “I think we should do pretty well. We have a good, mobile quarterback and a bunch of great receivers.”
Perkins piled up yards as a speedy threat out of the backfield in the mid-1990s. He will be 36 on game day.
“We’re really looking to get the word out to other former players who might be interested,” said Perkins. “We have 37 players who have signed up already. We have a bunch of running backs and receivers. What we mainly need now are some more linemen.”
Among former Pioneers who have already registered to play are Lamont “Bone” Blevins, Matt Turner, Rickie King, Jeremy Chisam, Bryson Lewis, Caleb Northcutt, Tommy Davis, Justin Ware and Adrian Lusk. Preston Smith, who transferred and played most of his varsity football elsewhere, is practicing at QB.
At 41, Tommy Davis is one of the older members of the team. He has been playing flag football in McMinnville and in Murfreesboro and says those games get physical even without the tackling. Davis says he’s not concerned about injury.
“I don’t want to look back and say I wish I had tried,” said Davis. “I don’t expect to be a significant factor, but I couldn’t pass up the chance. I see it as a challenge.”
The team had its first practice Sunday at Hickory Creek Elementary. Perkins said he was impressed by what he saw.
“Some of the guys, they’ve still got it,” he said. “I think we should be pretty solid.”
Perkins said practices will primarily be on weekends. Practice is set for this Saturday at 4 p.m. at Hickory Creek. The team is working to install its offense, which will consist of I-formation and shotgun sets.
Perkins said tackle football alumni games are gaining popularity. He watched a Riverdale-Oakland alumni game earlier this month in Murfreesboro, a game Riverdale won 16-8.
“It was a defensive game in the rain with about 20 turnovers,” said Perkins.
Tickets are $10. The game will be held Saturday, Aug. 13, at 7 p.m. in Tullahoma. Proceeds from ticket sales benefit WCHS football. Plans are already in the works to have another alumni game next year against DeKalb County with the game to be played at Nunley Stadium.
Any former WCHS football player is eligible to participate, regardless of age. Rickie King will be among the youngest players, having just graduated last month.
There is a $100 player fee to cover equipment and insurance. To register, visit www.AlumniFootballUSA.com. For more information, Perkins can be reached at 212-3549.