Video: Choctaw Co. Rallies Around New Football Team

[bitsontherun OY64RoDF]

CHOCTAW COUNTY, Miss. (WCBI) – It’s the start of Friday night football for many in North Mississippi, and for residents in Choctaw County it’s especially a big deal.

That’s because their schools were recently consolidated.

Now two groups of students, who used to play against each other, are on the same team.

Most Weir residents WCBI spoke with are rallying around the new Choctaw County High School football team after the school consolidation.

“I think this game will be good for them, because they’ll be playing as a whole,” said Weir resident Deborah Reece.

Sylvia Miller’s son, Savion Winters, is a junior on the team.

“I think it’s a good opportunity,” Miller said. “They have more to offer now than they did when they were in Weir.”

Other residents like Craig Moudy don’t believe the move was such a good idea.

“It would be a waste of space in the building,” Moudy said. “Over half the building will be wasted. I ‘m not familiar if they’re going to keep the baseball field or not. If they are, then that’s great. If they’re not, it’s a waste of money.”

Reece says losing some of the teachers and coaches has hurt her business, but she’s still happy for the kids.

“I think that it’s going to be good for the children,” she said. “I hope that they have a better opportunity to better themselves.”

Residents say they’re excited about the change, even the new names.

“Ackerman’s got a new name now, a new school, so we have to get used to saying ‘Go Chargers,'” said Hal Aurell, who works in Weir. “I’m going to say, ‘Go Chargers.'”

“Go Panthers, and go Choctaw! Let’s see who wins,” Reece said.

School officials told WCBI having some empty classrooms at Weir Elementary gives them more options.

They say they’re not sure what they’re going to do with the football field yet, but for now they’re using it for gym class.