The Minden High football team will hold a pep rally called “Meet the Tide” tonight at the high school scheduled for 6 p.m.
Athletic Director Dean Francis said this is the perfect opportunity for people in the community to come get to know the players and coaches before the season starts.
“We are looking to start the season off the right way,” Francis said. “Our football team doesn’t do this alone. We want to have everyone in the community involved. Parents, grandparents, friends, everyone. The pep rally lets us show off everyone in the program, and introduces some of the new players to the way we do things.”
Webster Junior High’s dance line, Minden High’s cheerleaders, as well as the Minden High band will all be in attendance and performing during the pep rally.
“It’s going to be a great time, good fun,” Francis said. “The parents get a chance see their kids perform and it’s a community event. It’s not only for the football team but for everyone in the community.”
But the event is largely focused on introducing the football team as they gear up for their first game of the season. On August 31, Minden will take on Haughton in a rivalry game that is sure to be a massive clash for both teams. Prior to the season opener, Minden will scrimmage on Aug. 17 before playing host to a jamboree on Aug. 24 at 6 p.m.
Sixth-year Minden head coach Spencer Heard said that early in the season, his focus is on execution and limiting mistakes.
“As coaches we have to think about the things people normally don’t consider,” Heard said. “In a scrimmage or a jamboree, it’s the first time the kids are going live. Transitioning on and off the field, lining up correctly; we just need time to come together.”
Heard expects to lean heavily on his defense early in the season.
“We have about nine guys returning from last years team on defense,” Heard said. “We’re going to use them to buy us some time on offense. Our defense is going to come up big for us this year, especially early in the season.”
Early in the season is an exciting time for the players, especially the young ones. Francis expects that Meet the Tide will be a memorable experience for some of the newer players.
“The players get to hear their names announced over the loud speaker,” Francis said. “You don’t forget something like that. The parents, students, our school and community is showing our support for the Tide. We’re going to kick this year off with a big community event like this.”
Meet the Tide is scheduled for Tuesday, Aug. 14 at 6 p.m. in The Pit.