MANSFIELD — All of downtown Mansfield could hear the “We are Lucas” and “T-Y Tyger” chants Wednesday night.

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  • The Tygers team soaks in the community support at a pep rally on Wednesday evening.

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  • Jacob Owens, quarterback coach for the Mansfield Tygers celebrates at the gazebo on the square in Downtown Mansfield at the Prep rally.

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The Mansfield and Lucas football teams were the focus of a joint prep rally ahead of their state championship games in Canton on Friday afternoon and Saturday morning, respectively.

The Tygers (13-1) play Trotwood-Madison (11-3) on Friday at 3 p.m. for the state Division III title, while the Cubs (12-2) challenge Maria Stein Marion Local (12-2) on Saturday at 10 a.m. for the Division VII state championship.

The mayors of Mansfield and Lucas opened the rally with words of appreciation for the communities coming together as one.

Lucas Mayor Todd Hall and Mansfield Mayor Tim Theaker each gave speeches about what it means for the communities to be involved in their first state championship football games.

The crowd of nearly 500 cheered loudest around 7:30 p.m. when both teams arrived. Then it was Tygers coach Choike Bradley and Cubs coach Scot Spitler who got the crowd roaring.

Each coach thanked the community for having their backs and supporting their teams.