ROAN MOUNTAIN, Tenn. (WJHL) – The tight-knit community of Roan Mountain loves to come out and support their Highlanders. But, for the last ten days or so, it was the Highlanders football squad that returned the support in the community’s time of need.
Bulldogs back on the gridiron as flood relief efforts continue After a full week away from the field, Cloudland started back at practice on Monday and continued preparing Tuesday. The squad has elected to play their game Friday, which will be their first contest in nearly a month.
“The structure with these kids are so important,” head coach Zac Benfield said. “Just to get them back here, with each other, building the camaraderie again and just working has been a blessing.”
Benfield said the group could have started practicing at the end of last week. Instead, he had the players bus around to different areas of the community to lend a helping hand after the flood.
It’s an experience that opened some eyes and strengthened the team’s bond.
“When coach said ‘let’s go do some stuff’ we were like ‘OK,'” senior halfback and defensive end Kingston Cole said. “When we did, it really just brought us together more. I don’t know how to explain it – it’s different.”
“Handing out food, water – cooking, handing out three hot meals every single day,” Cam Peppers explained. “Again, just to be able to see the community come together like that is just amazing.”
“All the things that happened the last couple weeks has been horrible,” Benfield said. “But, at the same time it’s brought everybody together. I think that’s the most important thing right now – everybody coming together and showing each other love and support.”
The Highlanders will travel to Jellico on Friday night for a conference matchup. Kickoff is slated for 7 p.m.
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