For the first time on home turf Ridgeland High School supporters get to cheer.
The message is clear.
These cheerleaders stand behind football Coach Mark Mariakis.
Mike Angel, a local pastor, says "We're all wearing freedom for religion because all the controversy that's been going on about having prayer in the school systems and we believe it's okay for us, as Christians, to pray."
The Freedom From Religion Foundation targets the school for praying.
They say it violates students' first amendment rights.
Walker County resident Francis Walz, "We can't hate them, or throw stones, or shoot them we have to pray. But we have to stand for the glory of God, we have give God the praise and Glory that's why we're here today."
On Friday no prayer happened over the loud speaker.
But, that isn't going to stop Walker County residents from spreading their message.
"Because we're in the bible belt and I believe because people are taking a stand that there's those that disagree with the stand we're taking and that's their choice but just because they disagree with it doesn't mean we can't do it," says Angel.
With a large turnout of support, there's no doubt Panther Nation supports Ridgeland High School.
