Portsmouth, Va. - They might not have the best records in their district, but it doesn't mean that Joe G. Langston stadium won't have a packed crowd on Friday night .
It's Lashawn Merritt Day in Portsmouth, and you can feel it in the air. Norcom is trying to avenge last year's 21-12 loss to Wilson, all while hailing a hometown Olympic hero.
"After the game, especially when we win, I'll speak to him, until then, it's business," says Allen Boykins.
Wilson head coach Ronnie Ratliff knows the importance of Merritt in the community and to his kids, but he want's them to handle "business" on the field. "My kids, they're going to do it on the field."
Lashawn Merritt Day information:
At 5:30 p.m., the LaShawn Merritt Day Parade will begin at the corner of Godwin and High Streets; make a right onto High Street; and end on Ruth Brown Way behind I.C. Norcom’s Joe G. Langston Stadium.
LaShawn Merritt will lead the parade as the Grand Marshal, followed by members of his family; and, the Woodrow Wilson and I.C. Norcom ROTC units, cheerleaders, and marching bands!
At 7 p.m., the Football Game will kick-off-- I. C. Norcom vs. Woodrow Wilson at Joe G. Langston Stadium. Tickets are required for the game and may be purchased at the stadium.
During the half-time festivities, Mayor Kenneth I. Wright will present to LaShawn Merritt a Mayoral Proclamation and a Key to the City.
