Every year athletes step on the field to play fall sports for high schools in Pearl River County. On August 18, family and fans have the opportunity to meet Picayune Memorial and Poplarville high school’s football teams, cheerleaders and more at Meet the Tide and Meet the Hornets separate events.

Pearl River Central High School’s even was cancelled due to inclement weather and not rescheduled.

Initially, these events were scheduled for last Thursday, but because of the heavy rainfall, Picayune and Poplarville high schools rescheduled the events for this Thursday.

Maroon Tide’s varsity cheer team organized Meet the Tide for the purpose of introducing the new and returning junior varsity and varsity football players as well as the band, ROTC, junior varsity and varsity cheer teams and the junior high cheer team.

The admission to participate is $4 per person, which will support the participating Maroon Tide programs.

“We really enjoy holding this event each year. It’s a great way to get to know the new athletes and members of all these great groups here at Picayune,” Varsity Cheerleading Coach Donya Bond said.

During Meet the Tide, the groups will be introduced and the cheer teams, marching band and ROTC will perform in the football stadium. Later in the event, announcer Jerry Grubbs will introduce the football players on each team. After the performances and introductions, the varsity football team will scrimmage for about an hour, Bond said.

Meet the Tide begins at 6 p.m. and concessions will be available.

During Meet the Hornets in Poplarville’s football stadium, a similar event will take place except all of the fall sports teams will be participating. Meet the Hornets is free to attend.

“We will be introducing all the players from each team so family and friends can get a good look at what the teams are going to look like for the upcoming seasons,” Poplarville Head Football Coach Jay Beech said.

Meet the Hornets starts at 6:30 p.m. and could possibly involve a performance by the Poplarville High School cheer team, Beech said.

“It’s an exciting time for these new students to be welcomed into our programs and we are excited to see each of them perform and contribute to the school’s success,” Beech said.