VERO BEACH — Excitement continues to build as Vero Beach’s Fighting Indians prepare to compete in the Florida High School 7A Football State Championship, marking the first time the players will compete in a state championship in 44 years. Now, Fighting Indians fans will have the chance to meet the football players and coaches during a free community pep rally on Thursday – two days before the highly-anticipated championship game in Miami.
The pep rally is a way to keep the ‘fighting’ spirit going, organizers say. The send-off is being organized by the Fighting Indians Football Boosters Club.
“The pep rally is a way for us to get the community together to support the team,” said Angela Banzhaf, football booster club president. “The football team has an amazing support system. We’re really excited.”
The pep rally will be held from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m. at Billy Livings Field at the Citrus Bowl on 16th Street, located across from the Vero Beach High School Performing Arts Center. The rally will also feature the Fighting Indians Marching Band and cheerleaders.
Fans will be able to meet the football players and coaches after the pep rally. The varsity team has 63 players, including 30 seniors, Banzhaf said.
Vero Beach football players enter the field before semifinal game Friday Dec. 5. Video provided
The Vero Beach Fighting Indians remain undefeated with a 14-0 record this season. On Friday, Dec. 5, the Fighting Indians won over Miami Palmetto Panthers during a double overtime at the state semifinals with a 45-44 victory, securing their slot to enter the state championships.
The home game was held at Billy Livings Field at the Citrus Bowl.
Final play during the state semifinal game and celebration afterward
The Vero Beach Fighting Indians will compete against the Lake Mary Rams at 7:30 p.m. Saturday for the championship game. The game will be held at the Pitbull Stadium located at Florida International University in Miami.
The Fighting Indians last entry to the football state championship was in 1981, when they secured the school’s only state title to date. Ticket information to Saturday’s state championship game can be found here.
