October 15, 2025 — High school football teams see them every Friday night. More importantly, they hear them. They’re a support team from the bleachers. A soundtrack lifting the spirits of players and fans alike. They’re the pulse machine. Mood lifters. Equal parts dancers in the stands and halftime on-field entertainers. Flag twirlers, baton tossers, and energy providers. They are the high school marching band.
It's hard to imagine high school football Friday nights without the pulsating musical encouragement of the drum corps, or the celebratory blasts of the brass and woodwind sections. For that reason, it’s a special occasion when the football team can reciprocate their support. The Cobb County School District recently hosted a Band Expo featuring all 16 of the area’s high school marching bands. The Kell Longhorns football team members attended en masse to show appreciation for their school’s band performance. It was a visible statement of thanks from football players directly to the players of instruments.
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“This is the third year our team has attended the Expo,” Kell Head Football Coach Bobby May said. “The idea originally came from my wife, Afton, who pointed out how hard the band works and how much they do to support us throughout the season. We felt it was important to show a small token of appreciation for their dedication.”
“Friday night lights are special at the Stockyard, and our Kell Marching Band plays a huge role in making that atmosphere electric,” added Kell Athletic Director Oneisha Young. “So, when it came time for their biggest performance of the year, the Band Expo, it only made sense for our football team to return the favor. It was important for our players to show the same level of support and pride that the band shows them every Friday night. It’s all about community and recognizing that every part of the Longhorn family contributes to the Kell experience.”
The football team’s gesture did not go unnoticed.
“Band members are so excited to have the football team cheer for them,” commented David Roth, Kell Director of Bands, “which is a reversal of the norm. Usually, we cheer on the team when they're on the field under the lights; having them cheer for us in our performing environment is so validating. My students consistently express gratitude and appreciation for the team's support."
“Honestly, this is the least we could do,” Coach May said humbly. “We presented the idea to our players, and they immediately bought into it. Their enthusiasm has grown each year. In fact, this year was by far our biggest turnout—it was amazing to see so many of our kids step up, get involved, and represent our program with pride.”
According to AD Young, others also recognize the school spirit at Kell.
“The response has been overwhelmingly positive,” she said. “Band parents, students, and even spectators from other schools took notice and shared their appreciation on social media. Many commented on how refreshing it was to see athletes supporting the arts and embodying true school spirit. It was a great reminder that at Kell, we’re one team—whether it’s on the field, in the stands, or on the stage.”
“I’m proud of our kids, and I hope they continue to do the right thing, whether they are receiving praise or not,” added Coach May. “My hope is that this experience encourages them—and all of our students—to keep supporting each other. When our programs lift each other up, it builds pride, unity, and a culture of doing the right thing simply because it’s who we are, not just as a football program, but as a school.”
Director of Bands Roth agrees.
“For a football team to go out of their way to attend a band event,” he said, “and show genuine support for their peers is a true testament not just to the Kell community and the close-knit bonds between the two programs but to the leadership of head coach Bobby May and the entire coaching and support staff, along with our administration. This speaks volumes to the wonderful culture being created here at Kell High School.”
