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Chelsea High School’s gym was swarming with activity as families gathered together to celebrate the city’s sports teams during a community pep rally on Aug. 16. (Reporter photos/Rachel Raiford)

By NOAH WORTHAM | Managing Editor

CHELSEA – Chelsea High School’s gym was swarming with activity as families gathered together to celebrate the city’s sports teams during a fun, spirit-filled event ahead of the 2024 football season.

The Chelsea Hornet Quarterback Club successfully hosted the third annual community pep rally on Friday, Aug. 16 at Chelsea High School despite the rainy weather conditions.

“We had to shift everything from outside to inside the gymnasium,” head football coach Todd Cassity said. “Everything went smooth from there. Everybody seemed to have a good time.”

The pep rally brought together all corners of the Chelsea community ahead of the start of the season and provided an opportunity to showcase the high school football team, middle school football team and the city’s youth league football teams.

“It was good to get everybody recognized and create a little bit more excitement for the season,” Cassity said.

During the rally, the Chelsea High School Hornet Pride Marching Band provided tunes to pump up the crowd while youth, middle and high school cheerleaders showcased their spirit and encouraged the audience. During the event, Mayor Tony Picklesimer addressed the crowd as well as ChHS Principal Dr. Brandon Turner.

Cassity shared that everyone is excited for the upcoming season as Chelsea prepares to compete in 6A classification and the high school isn’t alone either as the middle school went to its old Southern Conference League.

“Everybody is excited about moving down to 6A,” Cassity said. “Our middle school is moving into a different league that they’re going to play in (and) our younger kids are all moving down into smaller level teams. So, I think it’s going to help everybody involved and allows everybody to have a chance to be a lot more competitive.”

During his third year as the coach of the Hornets, Cassity continues to work with the players to prepare and get everything ready as they push to make the playoffs and beyond.

“We’ve had a good fall camp, a good summer, everything’s going well,” Cassity said. “We’re just trying to get the last few I’s dotted and T’s crossed before the season starts on Friday (as well as) trying to keep everybody pointed in the same direction.”

Cassity expressed his gratitude to the Chelsea Quarterback Club for its part in putting on the community pep rally and the hours of planning it took to make the event possible.

Residents can expect to first catch a glimpse of the Hornets this season during their first home game against Mobile Christian on Friday, Aug. 23.

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