The Ridgeland High Football field isn't where the team is facing what may be their toughest opponent.
But supporters of Coach Mark Mariakis are expected to fill the stands during the first home game.
Christopher Patty, owner of Testimony Printworks, says he was commissioned with the task of creating some of the signs and shirts showing the community's support of the coach on behalf of a group called Freedom For Religion.
Patty said
But the community that supports Mariakis isn't just the one surrounding the home of the Panthers.
Within a week, the Support Coach Mariakis Facebook page has grown to over 10,000 fans.
Although over 17,000 people are talking about the page on the popular social media site, Walker County School System kept quiet until a press conference Wednesday night.
There, both the coach and Superintendent made it clear they're ready to return the focus to football and academics.
"It raises awareness, the shirts and the signs, to support Coach Mariakis throughout the community."Raines said "They have achieved notoriety on the field for their success, but more importantly have seen large numbers of students remain in school and complete their program of study."
The Letter Superintendent Raines sent to the Freedom from Religion Foundation suggests some of the information has been taken out of context; some of the allegations... inaccurate.
In the Press Conference, Mariakis said winning isn't the most important thing.
"Now is the time for the Ridgeland football team to stay on task and focus on football season," he said.
For now it's clear they have fans in the stands and beyond.
