DUNMORE -- School spirit is amped up for the Dunmore Bucks football team.
The team is headed to Hershey on Friday to try to capture the title of state champs.
On Wednesday night, a pep rally was held at the high school in the team’s honor.
They may not have captured the title of best in state, but inside Dunmore High School’s gymnasium, the football team got a reception fit for champions.
The pep rally was held to get the Bucks ready to battle in the state finals in Hershey.
“We were expecting a lot of people, but we weren’t expecting that. That was really cool,” said Bucks captain John Rinaldi.
“It’s amazing, our senior year, I couldn’t ask for anything better,” said Lia DeMarco, the captain of the varsity cheerleading team.
With a packed room, school pride and spirit were alive and thriving.
The Dunmore Bucks will face off against the Clairton Bears, an undefeated team from the Pittsburgh area, that has the current longest winning streak in the country with a whopping 62 wins.
Still, parents, students and fans said their boys can take home the title.
“I have two kids on the team, and it’s just a thrill to be here,” said Tom Drewes, a parent. “We never expected it in the beginning, but now it’s here and we can’t wait for Friday.”
“Are you kidding? We’re going down to Hershey bright and early, we’ll be down there,” said Ann Scrimalli, a fan.
“We won’t have school on Friday. We have a bunch of student buses lined up, so it will be a fun time,” said Mark Pegula, a student.
Fans also have faith in head coach Jack Henzes and gave the coach a standing ovation.
The Bucks may have a challenge ahead of them, however loyal Dunmoreans said when their team rolls into Hershey Friday, the Clairton Bears had better “fear the deer.”
The Bucks plan to meet at the school at 7 a.m. on Friday.
They’ll have a hearty breakfast and then get on the road to Hershey by 8:30 a.m.