Rockwall ISD will honor local first responders with a pregame ceremony Thursday, Sept. 10, at Wilkerson-Sanders Memorial Stadium before the Yellowjackets take on the Melissa Cardinals.
The tribute begins at 6:42 p.m. and will feature performances by the Billie Stevenson and Virginia Reinhardt elementary school choirs, according to Blue Ribbon News. The event falls on the eve of the 25th anniversary of the Sept. 11, 2001, attacks. First responders in uniform receive free admission.
The ceremony leads into a non-district football game between Rockwall and Melissa. Both teams enter at 1-1.
Yellowjackets rolling after Week 2 breakout
Rockwall bounced back from a 56-37 season-opening loss to Prosper on Aug. 28 with a dominant 51-28 win over Dallas Jesuit on Sept. 4 at Ranger Stadium.
Quarterback Collins Jones accounted for seven touchdowns in the Jesuit game, throwing for five and rushing for two. He completed 17 of 25 passes for 210 yards.
Running back Kaydon Castro added 168 yards on 24 carries, and receiver Ryan Wiley hauled in seven catches for 109 yards and two scores. Rockwall piled up 579 total yards, including 369 on the ground.
The Yellowjackets are ranked No. 19 in the SportsDayHS DFW rankings.
Melissa looking to rebound
The Cardinals dropped a 27-9 decision at home to Denton Guyer on Sept. 4. Melissa enters at 1-1. Rockwall's offense, which has averaged 44 points through two games, will test a Cardinals defense that allowed 27 to a strong Guyer squad.
Day's military ties add meaning to tribute
Senior defensive lineman Wade Day, a three-year varsity starter committed to the United States Military Academy at West Point, brings a personal tie to the evening's theme. In an Aug. 11 profile, Day spoke about his family's military heritage: "My grandparents and ancestors were all Navy, Army, Coast Guard all around. Knowing we have that servitude in our family, I felt the need to step up myself and serve."
Head coach Trey Brooks leads a Yellowjackets squad looking to build on last season's 4-6 record. Castro has been a workhorse through two games, carrying 48 times for 345 yards and two touchdowns.
Thursday's ceremony begins at 6:42 p.m., with kickoff to follow at Wilkerson-Sanders Memorial Stadium.
