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Cherryville, NC (WNN) - Cherryville High School held its homecoming celebration on Friday, September 11, 2026, at Rudisill Stadium as the Cherryville Ironmen took on the Highland Tech Rams.
If you've ever heard the expression, "No one does Homecoming like Cherryville," they'd be right.
For many years, Cherryville High School has celebrated homecoming in a big way, from the Main Street parade to the homecoming court dressed in elegant white gowns. But this year, homecoming had an added element that made the night even more special.
Coach Bowman invited the Cherryville New Year's Shooters to attend the games when he became the head football coach. For three years, the shooters fire their black-powder muskets every time the Ironmen score a point, including touchdowns, as well as when the team runs onto the field just before kickoff. Or, as Vee Thornburg, a Cherryville shooter, put it:
"We get the fans woke up."
- Vee Thornburg, Cherryville Shooter
The New Year's Shooters are part of a long-standing Cherryville Tradition intended to bring good luck for the coming year. On Friday night, that tradition took on a new role as the sound of their muskets became part of the celebration for Cherryville's hometown high school.
The excitement continued when senior Laney Jones was announced as the 2026 Homecoming Queen. After she received her crown, WNN's Rusty Wise caught up with Jones for an exclusive interview.
Laney Jones interviewing with Rusty Wise - Cherryville High School Homecoming Game - Cherryville High School vs. Highland Tech - Cherryville, NC - September 11, 2026
Mason Beam (WNN)
She was proudly wearing her newly fashioned No. 26 jersey over her white homecoming gown, with the word "Queen" seen from across the back. When asked how she was feeling after being crowned, Jones said, "It feels amazing. I just can't believe it. I'm so excited. I'm so happy."
Her journey to the crown included all the traditional homecoming preparations, such as deciding what dress she would wear and taking the official court pictures. Even the Main Street parade came with a little unexpected excitement when her car overheated.
Her last message was simple and heartfelt:
"Being kind pays off."
- Laney Jones
From the parade and the homecoming court to the black-powder muskets echoing through Rudisill Stadium, Cherryville once again showed why its homecoming tradition is something special. It is a celebration that brings together generations of Ironmen and the community that supports them.
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