MONTGOMERY COUNTY, Md. (DC News Now) – The Washington Commanders held a pep rally at Clarksburg High School on Friday where students had a chance to cheer on the team.
It also was a time for the pro team to recognize the accomplishments of some student-athletes.
Former Commanders players, the team’s mascot, and hundreds of students showed their Commanders pride as the team prepared for Sunday’s big match-up.
“I can’t be more excited for the city,” said former Commanders player Josh Morgan. “I couldn’t be more excited for the team. I never really lost to Philly a lot and I know it’s an in-conference rival, so I know it’s going to be extra special for them to go out there and put on a great show versus Philly; in Philly, too.”
For the school community, the event was extremely special.
“This is beyond anything we could’ve ever asked for,” said Clarksburg High School teacher Kyle Landefeld. “What better honor than to be the one high school in the entire area that they chose to come to. It says a lot about them. It says a lot about our school.”
The celebration on Friday wasn’t just about the NFL team.
The Commanders presented the Clarksburg Lady Coyotes with a banner to acknowledge their history-making accomplishment last year.
The girls’ flag football team became the first Maryland state champions in the sport.
“The fact that now that they’re taking their time to recognize us,” said Logan Edwards, a senior on the Lady Coyotes Flag Football Team. “And the Commanders are recognizing us and the school board, it feels amazing.”
Freshman Lady Coyotes flag football player Ella Geary said, “I feel like it shows a lot about the character of the Commanders and how they’re just always there to support us.”
Many now hope the Commanders pull off a win in their NFC Championship Game.
“Winning is the hardest thing to do in team sports,” said Morgan, “and they’re just making it look amazing, and I just hope they keep it up.”
The Commanders will take on the Philadelphia Eagles on Sunday at 3 p.m.