The pads are on, the lines are drawn and the fields are groomed in preparation for the annual Pigskin Jamboree, which is scheduled to kickoff Friday, Aug. 14, at Clinton High School and Hobbton High School, with both locations slated to start at 7 p.m.

According to Col. Tommy Macon, director of secondary education with Sampson County Schools, he came into the system in 2000 when the Jamboree was well under way.

“There are many folks that did things to make it (the annual Jamboree) happen, but as for the brain-storming the late coach Nathan Gay, coach Bob Lewis and the late Robert Hill, Sr. were the three men that got it started,” Macon explained briefly of the events history.

Basically, in Macon’s words, it was Gay that pointed him the direction to go with the Jamboree and he simply followed.

“He did so much for the community and this event,” Macon added.

As for Lewis, Macon complimented his impact on the county’s football programs by highlighting his credentials, especially the numerous state titles he accumulated.

And, although he only met Hill once before his passing, Macon revealed that it was Hill who organized the annual Robert Hill, Sr. Luncheon, which is hosted the afternoon of the Jamboree.

According to Macon, the luncheon was designed as a means for the coaches to introduce themselves and provide an update of their teams status.

“It basically kicks-off the Jamboree,” Macon shared, adding that Hill was so passionate about the event that he paid for the first luncheon out of his own pocket.

In order to recognize the generosity that both Hill and Gay extended, during the luncheon both families are recognized for their continued support, Macon said.

Because the luncheon is an opportunity for the coaches to highlight their team, Macon revealed that each school system’s board members, superintendents, as well as the Sampson County Sports Club members or those interested in joining are invited to attend.

“We encourage community members that want to join the Sampson County Sports Club to come and support the student athletes. We think it is so important to do that. Membership is only $25 and we do not keep any of it ... it all goes back to the students,” Macon explained.

After the luncheon, the coaches return to their teams and prepare for the evening games.

According to Macon, in years past the Jamboree was hosted at a single location, however, due to space limits they were forced to expand to two different locations, which switch every year.

This year, officials confirmed that four teams will play at Clinton High School and four teams will play at Hobbton High School.

In addition to two locations, Macon said, “We try to change that match-up as well. And, when we can, we try to put rivals together, but it is really for the coaches so they can see where their teams are at.”

On the Dark Horse turf, Macon revealed that Lakewood, Clinton, Union and East Bladen will be matching up, while on the Wildcats field, Midway, North Duplin, Hobbton and Bunn will face each other.

As for the pairings on the Dark Horse field from 7 to 7:50 p.m. CHS will face UHS on half of the field, while EBHS will see LHS on the other half.

At 8 p.m. the teams will switch with CHS seeing LHS on one half of the field and EBHS matching up against UHS on the other half.

On the Wildcats turf, starting at 7 p.m., HHS will face NDHS on one half of the field and MHS will see BHS on the other.

At 8 p.m., the teams will switch and HHS will match up with BHS on one half of the field and MHS and NDHS will be on the other half.

Basically, at both locations, four teams scrimmage simultaneously, two on each end of the field.

During the games, the home team will have the ball first, and they will run 10 offensive plays, followed by 10 defensive plays, Macon shared, adding that this sequence will repeat three times or until the allotted time has expired.

“A team that is up two touchdowns will substitute players with second string players,” Macon said, while also highlighting that all point after touchdowns and field goals will be simulated during the Jamboree.

“The county coaches and the ADs really have worked hard to make this happen. Those five folks, in conjunction with their coaches, are who make the Jamboree happen,” Macon admitted.

Macon further highlighted that the hosting schools, in this case Clinton and Hobbton, work especially hard in making the event happen.

Looking at the Jamboree as a whole, Macon commented that the event has annually been a tremendous success, and it has been well attended.

“The fans will enjoy coming out to those two locations,” Macon voiced, adding that if by chance the weather should turn sour, the games will be played Saturday, Aug. 15.

Before concluding, Macon took a moment to highlight Huff Orthopedic, The Sampson Independent, Star Telephone, Wells Brothers Construction Company Incorporated, Jostens, WCLN Oldies 1170 and the Hill family for their sponsorship this year.

“Over the years we have had many sponsors, and we understand that with the economy some can’t this year,” Macon finished by adding his hopes for continue support next year.

He also revealed that normally the luncheon, as well as the Jamboree were consolidated; however, the Hill family decided to sponsor the entire luncheon again this year, which, he said, was appreciated.

Jessica Wagner can be contacted at 910-592-8137 ext.122 or reached by e-mail at siphoto@imyclintonnc.com