UNICOI CO., Tenn., (WJHL) – Friday night football is back in Unicoi County as the Blue Devils faced off against the David Crockett Pioneers in their season kickoff.

For the Blue Devils, this was no ordinary game.

During Hurricane Helene, the team suffered many personal losses, including the father of a player, a former teammate, and a former coach.

At their Friday night game, they honored those lives with a sticker on their helmets.

Head coach Drew Rice said that despite the hardships, the team still bounced back last year.

“I think looking back on the year we had, in spite of that and dealing with those things, I think it makes it even more special to have a year like we did and win a championship and advance in the postseason,” Rice said.

Almost a year after Hurricane Helene swept through the area, the Unicoi County community geared up to cheer on the team for another season.

“We’re thankful that things are starting to look better,” said Unicoi County resident Cindy Keasling. “We’re glad our team is back at it and ready to play football again this year.”

The grandstands were packed full of fans, family, music and support for the Blue Devils.

Blue Devils fan David Sullivan said Unicoi County is looking forward to another season.

“It’s been a blessing,” he said. “This community has really come together over the last year, and we’re looking forward to a great season.”

Rice said that the team will always be there for each other and the community.

“[The team is] still here for each other, still here for Gunner, still here for Esteban,” he said. “We just want to be a kind of rock in our community.”