It Takes Many

We have just wrapped up our high school football season for 2021 and as it usually happens, there were some high and low points with the three county teams we cover. The Jacksonville Indians ended the year with a poor showing at 1-9 record. After attending the game in Henderson, I saw some really good plays but I also saw a lot of missed opportunities. It didn’t end as was hoped, but the guys played their hearts out in the rebuilt Tomato Bowl.
The Alto Yellowjackets had much better luck on the field as they were able to advance to the playoffs from their winning season in regular district games but were not able to take the Thorndale Bulldogs during the playoff. Still, they finished the year with a 6-3 record, despite missing two weeks due to COVID-19 woes. The team has no reason to hang their heads as the entire community was solidly behind them all the way.

The Rusk Eagles were more successful as they headed to the second round of the playoffs, pitted against the Bellville Brahmas in Waco at the Baylor University’s McLane Stadium. Although the Eagles went on to lose that game 41-20, the boys never gave up and fought hard. The team definitely proved they were winners.

I also want to applaud the bands and cheerleaders at each school that work just as hard getting ready each week for the Friday night game. The amount of practice and dedication it takes is often overlooked or overshadowed by the plays on the field but it should never be discounted. They brought the school spirit to the games and pep rallies.

In all three instances, the towns and sounding communities supported these kids who worked so hard in practice and on the field to bring pride to their schools and towns.

That brings me the point of all this by thanking all the sponsors and advertisers that make it possible for The Cherokeean Herald to bring to our readers the game recap each week. Every ad you see from a local business, demonstrates the support and pride they show in our home towns. It is a costly venture on our part to be able to write and photograph the games each week but it’s a service we’re proud to be able to bring to print and share on our website. We couldn’t do it without those advertisers, and since each of them supports the teams and our towns, I strongly encourage you to patronize them and keep your money local: These advertisers show their support to the towns, so say thank you and shop locally.