Perry will host DC-G Friday at Dewey Field in the first Class 3A District 2 contest of the season, but the game will carry more significance that a win or a loss in the record books.
School officials have declared Friday’s game “Military Appreciation Night” and several activities, displays and observations will help the public show their gratitude for those now serving their country in the armed forces as well as for those who served in the past. All active service members and veterans will be admitted free with ID.
The Perry Optimist and Lions Clubs will fly five flags behind each end zone during the game, with American Legion Post 85 and VFW Post 2060 presenting the colors before the contest.
Members of the local American Legion will hold buckets to accept donations at the gates entering Dewey Field, with the Perry cheerleaders making a 60-second “bucket brigade” dash through the bleachers at the end of the first quarter to collect donations as well.
The Bluejay football team will also help celebrate the evening, as the white “P” logo on their helmets will be replaced with a “Patriotic P” for the game.
The game ball will be delivered by the National Guard in a special golf cart designed to resemble a tank, and National Guard members will be tossing t-shirts to the crowd at differing times.
The Perry gridders will charge onto the field through an inflatable tunnel courtesy of the National Guard, with the National Guard hosting several games — corn hole, football toss and more — in the plaza near the new concession stand.
Kick off between the Mustangs and Bluejays is scheduled for 7:30 p.m.
