The atmosphere was charged with excitement as students, teachers and staff packed the Calhoun High School gym this morning, in honor of Calhoun football’s state championship game.

The state championship game against Buford High School is set for 4:30 p.m. at the Georgia Dome.

CLICK HERE to see a special pep rally video

Decked out in gold-and-black spirit wear, the crowd, which consisted of high schoolers, eighth-grade students and fans, sprang to their feet as the cheerleading squad helped boost school spirit.

Drawing high-energy claps and lingering cheering, Yellow Jackets head football Coach Hal Lamb stepped out on the gym floor and introduced the senior football members.

Lamb opened by telling the crowd that he’s proud of his senior players, and that they will play an important part in the 2010 state championship win today.

“This group can probably go down as the greatest senior group,” Lamb said, of their four-year high school career re-cord of 50 wins and six loses.

“Today, we are going to make it 51 and 6,” Lamb added.

A visibly excited Michael Davis, offensive linemen coach, then took the microphone.

“It all starts here,” Davis said. “Their (Buford’s) time is over. It’s our turn.”

Students watched exclusive video footage that highlighted the team’s accomplishments from this season.

Many students cheered as they watched game-winning touchdowns, hard-hitting tackles and a Fox 5 filming of a prevous pep rally.

During this morning’s pep rally, Jacket decorations lined the gym and several students showed school spirit by danc-ing, participating in a pyramid contests and individual sing-ers sang/rapped for the student body.

There was lots of school spirit, plenty of cheers and a thundering drumline, all in anticipation of a state champion-ship later.