The WCHS football team will be fighting for its second straight season-opening victory against DeKalb County when the Pioneers take the field Friday night at Nunley Stadium.
To help get the Pioneers energized for their first game, the Southern Standard and WCHS officials are holding a pep rally this Thursday night at 6 p.m. on Court Square.
Football players from both the high school and middle school teams will be introduced to the crowd and the Pioneer Pride Marching Band will add excitement with its usual flair. The cheerleaders and Pioneerettes are also scheduled to perform.
“We want to start the season off right with a win over DeKalb County and we want our players to know the community is behind them,” said Standard publisher Patricia Zechman. “We’re hoping for a large turnout and good weather Thursday night.”
Main Street will be closed from 5:15 to 9:30 p.m. as a safety precaution. McMinnville Mayor Jimmy Haley estimated some 3,000 Pioneer fans showed up the last time a pep rally was held downtown.
Warren County’s game against DeKalb County has developed into quite a rivalry since the game returned to the football schedule in 2005. It’s been the first game of the season for both teams since 2007.
The Pioneers won the first three matchups, but DeKalb County got some revenge and won three straight from 2011 to 2013 during the Tommy Johnson era in Warren County. Since the teams resumed their rivalry, the Pioneers hold a 6-4 edge in the series.
Last year, the Pioneers won a shootout in Smithville and defeated DeKalb County 34-30. Warren County finished 4-6 last year.