Clay Central/Everly Mavericks came together for a free back-to-school grill-out game in Royal on Aug. 22 to usher in the new school year and thank the public for their support.

The event was a "home run" with a lunchroom and gym full of families, community members and Maverick friends.

The evening started in the lunchroom with everyone enjoying relief from the heat and a delicious meal of grilled hot dogs cooked by Royal Mayor Josh Toft. Children were given their gift from the CC/E Pop Can Committee of brand new "Maverick Minor League" jerseys.

After a welcome greeting by the school, guests were ushered into the gymnasium for a students-versus-teachers T-ball game.

The gymnasium erupted with gleeful screeches when the students were offered four surprise teammates to join their Red Team: Clay County Sheriff Chris Raveling, Sgt. Eric Ring, Deputy Ryan Lefever and Mayor Toft. The four guest teammates brought momentum, excitement and joy to the rambunctious student team.

Right away a wrench was thrown into the teachers' "A-Game" efforts. The student team was able to use normal bats; however, the teachers could only use wacky hitting objects like pool floaties, traffic cones, boogie boards and pool noodles.

IESHA TOFT/SENTINEL-NEWS

Teacher Lori Key lines up with her "bat."

A cheer section made up of jersey-clad, pom-waving teachers, plus comedic announcing of the game on the speaker, made for a great show. The Red Team's guest teammates made it even better by sliding on the gym floor, attempting leap-catches and completing other athletic feats during the contest.

Even though the White Team put up a valiant effort with their wacky hitting tools and back-to-school energy, the loss was inevitable against the mighty Red Team, who took home the victory and "taught" those teachers a thing or two on the field.