Thousands pour into Columbia Central stadium for Rumble in the Jungle

Kerri Bartlett, The Daily Herald
·2 min read

High school football fans in Maury County gathered for the biggest rivalry of the year, dubbed Rumble in the Jungle, as Columbia Central High School and Mt. Pleasant High School faced off at Central on Friday after fireworks show kick-started the game.

Almost 5,000 people of all ages scrammed into the stadium as the Central Lions played a tough game on the gridiron to beat the Mt. Pleasant Tigers, 32-20. The close game, which was once tied 20-20 proved to be suspenseful for all.

The energy was electric in the Central stadium and highlighted even further by the rousing and soulful performance by the Alabama A&M University marching band. Later this year, the band will perform in the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade.

New Central principal Mike Steele stood at the sideline the entire game, cheering on the Lions at his first Rumble in the Jungle experience.

"It's more than just a football game," Steele said. "It's an event. We have fireworks, a performance by the Alabama A&M band ... It's a true rivalry game with a tight score. I'm thrilled to be here."

Steele said earlier in the day, the school held a pep rally, but focused on instruction until the end of the day.

"We focused on instruction until the last minute," he said. "Columbia Central has a rich tradition of winning, and it's a morale booster for this year and football season."

Maury County Public Schools Chairman of the Board Michael Fulbright also attended the game with his family, enjoying the food, friendly competition and family atmosphere.

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"It's nice to see all of the excitement. It gives the whole community something to celebrate. It's nice to see so many come out tonight for some fun," Fulbright said.

The cheerleading squad and dance team hyped the crowd, while the marching bands for Columbia Central and Mt. Pleasant led fight songs in the student section.

Mt. Pleasant has played a winning season until Friday night.

This article originally appeared on The Daily Herald: Thousands pour into Columbia Central stadium for Rumble in the Jungle