Blue Jay fans chanted beat Manhattan, the JCHS marching band played the school fight song, and the Junction City Fire Department assisted with the lighting of a bonfire on the west football practice field at JCHS Thursday night.

It was all part of a community pep rally ahead of Friday night’s Junction City – Manhattan football game at Bishop Stadium in Manhattan.

Blue Jay coach Randall Zimmerman told the audience to go have some fun Friday night. “Chant very very loud, very positive for the Blue Jays. Keep it classy. You’ve been classy all season long so far. ”

The ballgame pits the two rivals in their annual battle for the Sportsman’s Trophy and area bragging rights. Junction City will go into the contest with a record of 5-0 while the Manhattan Indians are 4-1.  Kickoff is set for 7 p.m. in Manhattan.