The Nine-Mile War is getting its hometown Zephyrhills swagger back.
In recent years, the storied rivalry football game between Zephyrhills and Pasco has been just slightly more than a game, but now the community is literally rallying around the Bulldogs just two days before kickoff.
About 400 people turned out in downtown Zephyrhills for a good, old-fashion Community Pep Rally organized by Main Street Zephyrhills and sponsored by RMF Air Conditioning and Hangry Joe’s Chicken . Fifth Avenue is where Zephyrhills High School and its fans and families came together in support of the Bulldogs.
According to Amy Chappell, a member of the committee that helped organize the event, there has always been a desire to be part of the pep rally for the Nine-Mile War.
“Everybody pitched in and everybody was on board to do it.,” Chappell said. “We brought the pep rally to the community. It’s only going to get bigger and better.”
A drum line, player introductions, cheerleaders, the destruction of a car with a sledge hammer, a dance team and an entertaining chicken wing eating contest took over the two hour event. BJ Loss won the chicken wing eating contest knocking down 25 wings in seven minutes.
Zephyrhills High School football coach Nick Carroll said the Community Pep Rally is an inaugural event and will grow in the upcoming years.
“We get to bring our community together and find ways to be involved as a team and anytime we can celebrate Zephyrhills High School and the community, it’s a great thing,” Carroll said.