Each football season, thousands of fans come to Panther Stadium to cheer on the Petal High School football team as they attempt to make their way to another state championship game.
And throughout the entire school year, several Petal businesses show their support of the team and the school district as a whole.
So when a group of Petal football players and coaches showed up last week at McAlister’s Deli in Petal to give the crew a hand, it was a natural way for the team to give a little bit of that love back.
“In the spring, we try to do a lot of community service … because we kind of feel like we need to give back to the community,” said Adam Reynolds, assistant offensive line coach for the Panthers. “We actually have teams divided up, to where we have different things that we want to do in the community.
“So I just thought it would be a nice idea to go and serve one of our local businesses. And since McAlister’s helps us out a lot – they helped out the high school with attendance – I thought it would be a good idea to go there and serve the guests that come in.”
The team spent the day helping McAlister’s staff take orders, deliver food and socialize with guests.
“At first I thought we would just be cleaning off tables or sweeping, but actually we were more hands-on with our experience and the customers,” said Jonathan Harris, a freshman slot receiver with the team. “We greeted customers, filled drinks, talked with kids that came in, and served the customers their appetizers and entrees.
“What I like most was how we actually got taught as if we were actually working there. This was a great learning experience for me, and I really like the fact that I was able to show support for the community just as they have for us when they come to see Petal High School football. I hope we can continue to do this on a regular basis.”
Some of the players even learned how to use the deli’s computer system, and helped re-organize and clean after customers left.
“I’m not from Petal, so it’s been really fun to kind of see how they do community there,” said Peyton Roney, general manager of the Petal McAlister’s. “It’s not something I’m used to, but it’s really fun to watch how they interacted with everybody.
“They just seemed really eager and excited to help. And I know that my guests loved it, because they’re not used to the one-on-one interaction with (the players) because they’re just used to watching them on the field. So I think it was fun for everybody.”
And it seems that Harris will get his wish, as Reynolds plans to make the McAlister’s visit a weekly event for the next three or four weeks.
“(The staff) really liked it, because it kind of took a lot of pressure off them because it got kind of busy there,” Reynolds said. “(The customers) loved it – they thought it was a great idea, and they liked taking pictures.
“And the kids liked seeing the players there – you could tell they were very interested and wanted to talk to them, so I liked that. The players wanted to stay longer. I think they had some conversations with some people talking about football, so any time you can involve football and food, hey, that’s good.”
Roney said she’s looking forward to the team coming back and spending more time at the deli.
“I’m very excited,” she said. “I’ve made arrangements so I can be there, because it was so much fun and I want to definitely see it again.”
