By Paige Gurgainers

Students, families and community members gathered at Lakeside Jr./Sr. High School Thursday evening, Aug. 27, for the annual Meet the Warriors event, celebrating the athletes, spirit groups and coaches preparing for the 2026 football season.

This year’s ceremony included participants from across the Lakeside school community. The Central Dragons and Little Warriors football players and cheerleaders joined the celebration from Central Elementary School, giving the school’s youngest athletes an opportunity to take part in the Warrior tradition.

Lakeside’s junior high cheerleaders, pep squad and football team were introduced during the event, followed by the high school cheerleaders, Warrior Line Dance Team and high school football team. Coaches from each participating team were also recognized.

All of the school’s spirit groups performed for the crowd, helping build excitement for the season ahead and offering those in attendance a preview of the energy they will bring to the sidelines this fall.

The event brought students of all ages together while giving families and supporters a chance to recognize the work the athletes, performers and coaches have put into preparing for the new season.

With introductions complete and school spirit running high, the Warriors will now turn their attention to the field as the regular football season kicks off this week.

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