Downtown Pep Rally - Photos and video from annual event

Local teams get the community fired up for football season

Southeast Bulloch head flag football coach Marci Cochran, left, introduces the 2024 roster of the still-undefeated program during the Downtown Pep Rally at the Bulloch County Courthouse on Friday, July 2. - photo by SCOTT BRYANT/staff

Downtown Pep Rally 2024

Teams from Statesboro, Southeast Bulloch and Portal high schools joined more than 1,000 fans downtown Friday for the annual Pep Rally.

By: Jason Martin

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Bulloch County High Schools brought their football teams, cheerleaders and marching bands to help get the community excited about the upcoming season at the Bulloch County Courthouse during downtown's First Friday celebration on Friday, April 2.

A storm front brought cooling winds but spared downtown from rain as fans packed the square in what Downtown Statesboro Development Authority executive director Allen Muldrew described as the biggest crowd he has ever seen for the annual rally.

Statesboro and Southeast Bulloch will kick off the season against each other on Friday, August 16 at Fred Shaver Field in Brooklet while Portal will take on Bulloch Academy on Saturday, August 17 at Paulson Stadium in the Erk Russell Classic.

The still-undefeated Southeast Bulloch flag football team will begin their 2024 campaign on Saturday, Oct. 5.

Statesboro High offensive lineman Adrian James, far left, helps his fellow seniors introduce themselves during Friday's Downtown Pep Rally. - photo by SCOTT BRYANT/staff

Portal head football coach Jason McEachin, front, sets high expectations for the 2024 Panthers as Bulloch County Schools show off their football programs during the Downtown Pep Rally. - photo by SCOTT BRYANT/staff

The Southeast Bulloch football team waits to be introduced as the cheerleaders take the spotlight during the Downtown Pep Rally at the Bulloch County Courthouse on Friday. - photo by SCOTT BRYANT/staff

Morgan Dudley goes airborne as the Cheer South All-Stars give an exhibition during the Downtown Pep Rally at the Bulloch County Courthouse. - photo by SCOTT BRYANT/staff

Southeast Bulloch head football coach Jared Zito takes the mic and shares his expectations for the upcoming season. - photo by SCOTT BRYANT/staff

With son Ryder at his side, Statesboro High head football coach Matt Dobson explains how the Blue Devils hope to build on their strong finish last season as Bulloch County Schools show off their football programs during the Downtown Pep Rally at the Bulloch County Courthouse. - photo by SCOTT BRYANT/staff

Portal Marching Panthers color guard members Amelia Saunders, right, and Zoe Bragg perform with the rest of the band during the Downtown Pep Rally at the Bulloch County Courthouse on Friday, July 2. - photo by SCOTT BRYANT/staff

The Blue Devil Marching Band cheers and plays during the Downtown Pep Rally. - photo by SCOTT BRYANT/staff

The Southeast Bulloch Swarm lays down a groove during the Downtown Pep Rally at the Bulloch County Courthouse. - photo by SCOTT BRYANT/staff

Football fans fill the square at the Bulloch County Courthouse for Friday's Pep Rally. - photo by SCOTT BRYANT/staff

The Portal cheerleaders fire up the crowd during the Downtown Pep Rally at the Bulloch County Courthouse on Friday, July 2. - photo by SCOTT BRYANT/staff

Captain Sophia Pellegrino introduces her fellow Statesboro High senior cheerleaders during the Downtown Pep Rally. - photo by SCOTT BRYANT/staff

Southeast Bulloch football players make a grand entrance. - photo by SCOTT BRYANT/staff

Ryder Dobson catches a ride as the Statesboro High players make their entrance during the Downtown Pep Rally. - photo by SCOTT BRYANT/staff

Portal football players circle up to end their to end their portion of the Downtown Pep Rally at the Bulloch County Courthouse on Friday, July 2. - photo by SCOTT BRYANT/staff