The Ironton Fighting Tiger football moms are putting the “kick” in kick-off.

In what has become an annual tradition, the Ironton football season officially begins with a Pep Rally on the Plaza as all fall sports team members are introduced to the public.

“There’s a lot of work that goes into the pep rally. A lot of moms worked hard and we’ve had great cooperation from a lot of other people,” said Tiger mom Cathy Monnig.

Ironton Recreation Director Brett Thomas has again supplied the food to feed the student-athletes prior to the pep rally.

“We went to Brett and asked if he’d be able to help us again and he said he had already set aside money for the pep rally. He’s been a great help,” said Monnig.

Although some fall sports have already begun, Friday night’s football game officially gets the fall sports schedule underway.

Ironton will host Wheelersburg in a 7:30 p.m. game that not only starts the season, but figures to be one of the premier games of the season in the Tri-State area.

“Everyone is starting to get excited. I think everyone is ready to start playing games,” said Monnig.

Besides the football team, other teams being introduced are golf, cross country, girls’ tennis, volleyball and cheerleaders. The band is expected to be on hand to set the mood with the playing of “Eye of the Tiger.”

Monnig said the Tiger moms are asking fans to wear school apparel Thursday and Friday in support of the football team.

Fans and businesses are also being asked to fly a team flag to show their spirit.