STARKVILLE, Miss. – Starkville High School hosted “Jacket Nation Unites” November 4 to recognize sports teams, hold a pep rally and present the homecoming court.  

Homecoming week usually consists of a pep rally and a football game. Because the football team was quarantined due to a COVID-19 outbreak, those events were cancelled.  

Fall, winter and spring sports teams walked onto the field with their coaches, and the cheerleaders performed to get the Jacket nation excited for the first football game after quarantine.  

Sophomore Ethan Pulliam is the punter for the football team. “It means a lot to me to see people coming out from the community to support our team on Friday nights. It brings more and more motivation for us to win and show them that we are the best,” Pulliam said. 

The homecoming court was to be presented at halftime during the homecoming game versus Warren Central, but the game was cancelled.  The maids and beaus had the chance to walk the field at the event. Student Body President Kate Dickerson crowned the queen and Student Body Vice President Makenzie Stone crowned the king. 

“I am thankful SHS used homecoming as an opportunity to bring together the Yellow Jacket family. Although it wasn’t under the Friday night lights, the pep rally and seeing my teammates made the night even more memorable,” said Jada Odneal, homecoming queen. “I am very honored to represent Starkville High School. It’s a dream come true!”  

Odneal continued to commend the Yellow Jacket nation. “They [school officials] really had ensured the students and myself continue to have the best possible experience during this time.” 

Rayfield Evins, III was crowned homecoming king. 

A firework show followed the presentation of homecoming king and queen. 

The Jackets will travel to Clinton November 6, at 7 p.m. for their last regular season game. This game determines 6A playoff status.