If there was one message that was repeated more than once by more than one speaker during the Big Red Athletic Foundation meeting last night, it was that a successful athletics program needs the support of parents and students.

Said Biloxi product and storied college football coach Jackie Sherrill of his days at Texas A&M: "That student body and those people in the stands, we used as a weapon."

And fans of Biloxi athletics will have their chance to show their support this evening when Biloxi hosts a high school football jamboree with Long Beach at the stadium on the Biloxi campus. Junior varsity play begins at 6 p.m.; varsity around 7 p.m.

"If we can score on the first play, we will," new Biloxi head football coach John Shannon told the BRAF audience of more than 300 at the Biloxi High School cafeteria. "If we can score on the last play, we will. We're going to do what we can do, when we can do it."

The former Marshall task master also give some insight -- sort of -- into his play calling, asking audience members if they'd like to know the first play of this evening's jamboree. Said Shannon with a smile: "Come to the game."

Sherrill speaks: To see more than a hundred images from last night's inaugural membership meeting of the Big Red Athletic Foundation, click here.

Day 1 at BHS: To see photos from Days 1 and 2 at Biloxi High School, click here.

Registration reminder: Registration for city youth football and cheerleading takes place Saturday from 9 a.m. to noon at the Snyder center on Pass Road. Football is open to children ages 5 to 12 and youth cheerleading is open to children ages 7 to 12. Both sports are $30 for city residents and $50 for each non-Biloxi resident. Proof of residency and birth certificate is required at time of registration; family discounts available for Biloxi residents. Questions? Email sports@biloxi.ms.us.