The historic evening was magical, complete with a double rainbow above the campus.
It was the first-ever home football game tonight (9.6.18) for the Lakeland Lions at LMPS (Lakeland Middle Preparatory School).
As the Star Spangled Banner rang out, a vivid double rainbow was visible from one side of the campus to the other, as the year-old football team played the Houston Middle School Mustangs on a brand new artificial turf football field.
The School opened a year ago to grades 5-8. Students in grades K-4 attend Lakeland Elementary School and high school students attend Arlington High School through an interlocal agreement between the two cities until a high school is built in Lakeland.
The team initially took the lead in the game against Houston Middle, but failed to win, losing 20-14.
The disappointing score did not stop the fans’ enthusiasm. The grownups were watching every play of the game, and posting pictures and videos to social media. Young children were playing tag and doing somersaults on the sidelines. And the cheer squad kept the enthusiasm going with their newly-learned routines.
Those attending the game echoed awesome, beautiful, wonderful, excited and this is just the beginning. There was a brief light rain, but then sun and more rainbows.
“Tonight was a great night for Lakeland. It was exciting to see Lakeland students, parents, and neighbors join together to support our Lakeland Lions at our first home football game,” said Kevin Floyd, chair of the Lakeland School Board (LSB).
LSB Member Teresa Henry said, “I loved seeing the crowd and the students enjoying themselves in a safe environment. Watching the students talk with their teachers. This is what makes a sense of community for Lakeland!”
Cheer moms Heather Starnes, Misee Lancaster and Lauren Rummel were excited and commented that the field is beautiful and LMPS is an awesome school.
Nicole Roman said this is her first year in Lakeland and she moved here from Bartlett for the schools and community. “I love it,’ she said.
Parent Chris Wiles was attending with his Mother, Linda Wiles. He said the field is very nice and it came together better than he thought. “The school is wonderful,” he added.
Football Mom Susan Kee said she was super excited. “It is great for the community. I am thankful for the awesome field.
Ginger Comstock said she was excited to be a part of history. “I am happy to be here.”
The LMPS Touchdown Club, serving as the booster club for the team, was on hand to sell T-shirts and pizza and snacks. Teresa Ford is president; Amy Roberson, secretary; and Jessica Maxwell is treasurer. Mrs. Ford said, “This is a great opportunity for the boys. They have been out here all summer working hard. This is just the beginning. Next year they will do more.”
Monica Pitts said, “It’s an exciting time for Lakeland residents and Go Lions.”
