Family, friends and Eagles fans packed the John E. Howes stadium at Jordan-Elbridge High School Thursday night to show their support for the home team during an all-sports pep rally.

The crowd was bursting with school spirit as blue and white balloons festooned the fences, kids wore blue-patterned bandanas and supporters sported T-shirts with sayings like “Real Eagles Wear Blue.”

“It's touching - all the kids in uniform, and the cheerleaders.” said girls modified soccer coach Robin Smart.

“The whole community came out to cheer for us.”

The Jordan-Elbridge sports teams proudly paraded onto the field, surrounded by their coaches and spirited cheerleaders.

The boys' cross-country team even formed a human bridge, and the fans went wild as one athlete sprinted across his teammates' backs and performed a backflip before his dismount.

The crowd then quieted as the Marching Eagles band took the field.

Flags spun, drum sticks twirled and the band marched in tight formation as music filled the night air.

Debates may later rage as to which shone brighter - the sequins on the uniforms of the band, the athletes' obvious joy, or the cheerleaders' spirit.

One thing is for sure - the fall sports season was kicked off in grand fashion. The athletes appear ready to get out on the field and make their fans proud.

The Eagles varisty football team will try to do just that tonight, as they begin their season at Tully.