Upon Further Review: Planning a Pioneer ‘caravan’
What a game the Pioneers played Friday night. I said it on the radio after the game, and I’m saying it now, it was one of the best high school football games I’ve seen in 20 years.
Fans who made the trip to Lincoln County did more than just watch a football game. Friday night they became the 12th man for the Pioneers as a sea of red shirts filled the visitors side of “The Pit.”
For most of the second half Warren County fans stood and cheered on their team, with shouts of “Defense!” and “Let’s Go, Pioneers” raining down to the sidelines.
I have never been more proud of this community as I stood on the field, watching and listening to the fans behind me. To say there was excitement in the air is an understatement.
Three weeks ago in my column, I asked for everyone going to the Pioneer football game to wear a red shirt in show of support, I had no idea it would turn out to be so big and catch on the way it has.
With the help of my friends at the radio station and everyone who reads my column, the word quickly spread and now almost everyone attending the Pioneer games at home or on the road is wearing red. Now that’s team spirit.
I can’t tell you how many people have come up to me or called and thanked me. I didn’t do anything other than promote a little school spirit. The people you need to thank are the Pioneer players. They formed a bond this summer and have carried it through the season, with an all-for-one and one-for-all attitude, which has led to their success on the field this season.
Now, I would like to take things one step further for the game in White County on Friday. I can’t take all the credit for this, however, as several people have suggested this great idea.
One simple word: Caravan!
Back in the ’70s, when the Lady Pioneer basketball team played in the finals of the state tournament, parents and fans formed a caravan and traveled to the games. It was a great sight to see, all those cars forming a long line, practically taking over a town like a small army.
That’s exactly what we need to do Friday in Sparta — take the town over.
The football team will be leaving at 4:30 p.m., and coach Chris Madewell has agreed to stop the buses at Three Star Mall for a few minutes to let people get their cars and church buses in line to follow them up to Sparta.
And now, Mr. Nunley has suggested we take this a step further. Let’s not only form a caravan, but let’s get up there and take over the upper parking lot before White County fans show up.
Take up a cooler and basket of food or your grill and do a little tailgating. I have seen several people tailgating at the Pioneer home games, so why not do it at Sparta? Get those hamburger and hot dogs on the grill and fill the air with food and Pioneer Pride.
In case you can’t make the 4:30 departure with the football team, the band bus will leave at 5:30 and will also stop at the mall to give people a chance to convoy their way to White County. Everyone will meet in the Three Star Mall parking lot up by First National Bank.
How encouraging and supportive this would be to the young men who are giving their all every Friday night.
Following the Pioneer bus and then clogging the intersection at White County High school would be an awesome sight. Just imagine the look on the faces of the White County football team and their supporters if the upper parking lot was filled before anyone White County fans made their way to the game.
Some of you who missed last weeks game will be pleasantly surprised if you go to White County. The team is playing like winners as the crowd’s spirit and enthusiasm have given everyone a new sense of Pioneer pride.
So if you plan on going, get in line and follow the team up. And if gas prices are a concern, call a few friends and car pool. But be sure and make it to the Three Star parking lot by 4:20 or so because the team will pull out of the parking lot at 4:30.
Let’s continue the Pioneer Pride with a little extra twist this week.