The Lake Ridge Eagles football team will be given a champion’s farewell Dec. 17 as they depart from Mansfield headed for Houston to compete in the 5A Division I state championship.

Family, friends, and fans are asked to line up on Main Street in downtown Mansfield with banners, poster signs, and noise makers at 5:30 p.m. to cheer on the hometown team as the busses pass through downtown at 5:45 p.m.

The Eagles are the first Mansfield Independent School District football team in 40 years to reach the final.

Residents and fans are encouraged to stay downtown after the busses depart to enjoy the “Third Thursdays Mansfield” that includes dining, shopping, and special hometown events.