The Demopolis Quarterback Club and Demopolis High School football team are bringing back an old favorite with hopes of raising funds for the program.

On Friday, May 11, 6 p.m., at the Demopolis Civic Center the QB Club will host a Draw Down/Cash Give-away event.

Antonio Besteder will be one of the returning starters for the Demopolis Tigers next fall.

Members of the club, football team and coaches will be selling a total of 300 tickets to the event. Each ticket admits two people and enters the purchaser into a drawing for cash prizes. Tickets are $100.

Beginning with the first ticket drawn, and every 50th thereafter, a cash prize will be awarded, ranging from $250 to $500. The final ticket drawn wins the grand prize of $5,000.

The Draw Down event will include hor d’oeuvres, music, and a silent auction.

QB Club President Charles Singleton said the fundraiser will help with the many expenses involved with the football program, including equipment, jerseys, road game expenses, pre-game meals, etc.

“It’s something we used to do and people really enjoyed it,” Singleton said. “It’s a great way to get together as a community and support our players.”

DHS Head Football Coach Brian Seymore said fundraisers are important in maintaining a quality program.

“This event will benefit our players and our program,” Seymore said. “To play at a championship level, fundraisers are required. In the end, the money goes to a good cause and the needs we have on a day-to-day basis.”

The deadline for purchasing a ticket is May 1 and can be purchased by contacting any player,  QB Club member, by contacting Seymore directly at 334-216-1066, or Singleton at 334-341-1132.

The football team will also be raising funds at all Demopolis Parr’s Chevron locations on Saturday, May 5, from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m.

“They will be there to pump gas and to help people in exchange for tips, which will be a donation to the QB Club. It’s a great way for our players to get involved and interact with the community. Parr’s has always been a great supporter of our program and we appreciate them letting us do this.”

On the gridiron, spring practice is set to begin on April 30, with 10 practices scheduled over three weeks leading up to a spring jamoboree with Thomasville and Pelham high schools on Friday, May 18, at 6 p.m.

The Tigers finished as state semi-finalists last season with an overall record of 11-3.

(This article originally appeared in the Saturday, April 21 issue of the Demopolis Times.)