MACON, Ga. — Northeast High School is making history this week. For the first time ever, their football team will play in a state semi-final game.
Northeast is set to play Fitzgerald High School at Thompson Stadium Friday night in Macon. The Raiders will have plenty of talent on the field, but the Bibb County School District said they need fans in the stands too.
Northeast Principal Donna Walker-Thompson said Friday night will be a testament to all the football team's hard work.
"Coming in, I met with coach Wiggins and I talked about our ability to really build a program, not just a winning football team, but a program,” she said. “Over these four years, he's really, really accomplished a tremendous amount in a very short period of time."
She hopes the support at Friday’s game could lead them to a state championship appearance, and a chance at the top prize in high school football.
William Barnes wears his love for the school every day as Mr. Northeast, and says he is excited to be at the game.
"I get to brag and say we went to the fourth round, we got to play at Thompson Stadium,” Barnes said. “So that's a really big deal for me."
Charise Merriweather is a Central High School alum, and a Bibb County sports super fan. She said she bought her tickets for the game already and can't wait to see the community come together.
"I don't care if you're Southwest, Central, Southeast Alum, we all need to support the Northeast Raiders,” Merriweather said. “They have made history, they're in the semifinals. The game is going to be here in Macon. It is no reason for us not to show up and show out."
Katelynn Little believes showing up for the team is what the east side pride is all about.
"They're putting on for Macon,” she said. “They're showing out for Macon because we are the only team in Macon in the final."
Walker-Thompson said the players need support in the stands.
"The football players thrive off of the cheers,” she said. “When we talk about 'Fired up, Northeast, fired up,' it really does get the kids really fired up. We really need that community support on Friday for the game."
This will be the first time since 1975 that a Bibb County School hosted a state semi-final football game.
If you go, the Raiders ask you to wear black to join in on their "Black Out Bibb" theme. Kick off Friday is at 7:30 p-m. You can buy tickets here.