Kerry Gilstrap/Courier

Pickens High School students got into the spirit for the Blue Flame’s season opener against Easley on Friday night in the annual Sam Wyche Meals on Wheels Food Fight Bowl.

[cointent_lockedcontent]EASLEY — Easley and Pickens opened the high school football season with their 76th matchup on Friday, with the Green Wave taking home the “Food Fight” trophy with a 29-17 win.

As the final seconds ticked off the clock, Easley students gathered at the sideline ready to storm the field in celebration. First-year Green Wave coach John Windham raised the trophy in triumph as he recognized his team’s hard-fought victory and praised them for well-played game.

In the eighth year of the Sam Wyche Meals on Wheels Food Fight Bowl, Easley now holds a 5-3 record over the Blue Flame on the field, but students from all four county high schools still have a chance to earn the “Ultimate Food Fight” trophy.

From now until Oct. 29, the competition for will continue, as students from Daniel, Easley, Liberty and Pickens compete to see who can raise the most money for Meals on Wheels. Student bodies can earn credit toward their goal by collecting donations, holding special events and volunteering in PCMOW programs. The winning school will be awarded the trophy at halftime of its next home football game.

Since its inception, the Food Fight has grown to be the largest fundraising event for Pickens County Meals on Wheels, having raised a total of $188,918, the equivalent of 37,784 meals.

“Extending the deadline and having all four high schools compete has added a new twist to this event, and we are excited about these changes,” PCMOW executive director Meta Bowers said. “The students are always so creative and do a tremendous job. We are extremely grateful for the support of the community. All the money raised will stay here in Pickens County and will be used to feed and care for our seniors.”

According to Bowers, this year’s fundraising goal is $20,000, the equivalent of 4,000 meals. Students have been aided in their fundraising efforts thanks to presenting sponsor Save-A-Lot. To date, each school has been credited with $1,250 toward its fundraising goal. Each school is actively soliciting community contributions to help them make their fundraising goal.

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