The Paducah Tilghman football team traveled to Kroger Field in Lexington to play against the Belfry Pirates for the State Championship last Saturday. Sadly, after a close, hard-fought game, Belfry came out on top by a mere margin of 5 points. Though the outcome of this game was disappointing, the Paducah Tilghman family represented western Kentucky well.  

The support began with a sendoff from the whole school including Paducah’s mayor, George Bray. As the bus traveled down Broadway, the entirety of Clark Elementary School lined the streets to cheer on the boys with signs and waving. Many took to social media to offer their support for the team.  

On Saturday morning, the support only continued to build as the blue-clad crowd filed into the stadium facing the red Belfry supporters. Even alumni and students from other schools threw on Tilghman Blue to come support the team. The cheerleaders filed in with their shiny blue pom poms to coordinate with the boys’ new chrome helmets. The student section unveiled their signs saying, “Tilghman Party is Invite Only,” and “Why Not Us?” 

The band led the crowd in dancing and chants. Kickoff only started the long game of cheering and chanting for the Tilghman fans. Each tackle, yard gained and touchdown induced a loud enough cheer to ensure Tilghman made their mark and is not forgotten. The support did not wane even in the final seconds when Belfry’s win was sealed. Fans stayed on their feet to cheer on the Tilghman boys as they made their way off the field.  

The fans, band, cheerleaders and football team represented the Tilghman values of pride, excellence and tradition. 

For more photos from the game, visit the Paducah Tilghman High School Facebook page.