March Mascot Madness 2024: NCAA Tournament-style bracket will crown high school national champion

Last fall SBLive Sports held 50 contests to determine the best mascot in every state, and now those winners and the top vote-getting runners-up will compete to be named best high school mascot in America.

Over the next several weeks we'll pit those teams against one another in a traditional NCAA Tournament-style bracket, complete with 64 overall seeds and a five-team play-in game.

We'll have a new champion this year, as the 2023 bracket winner, the No. 11-seeded Cary Imps (North Carolina), didn't advance out of the statewide round.

Just like the NCAA Tournament, the first round will start with 32 head-to-head matchups, but the winners in our tournament will be determined by fan votes. Each matchup will give fans a week to vote, and the winner will advance to the next round.

Follow along: National Mascot Tournament 2024 Bracket

That process will repeat until we reach the Final Four and finally the National Championship Mascot Game.

The contest kicks off Monday, March 4, with a five-team play-in game to see who gets the final No. 7 seed. Those five runners-up are the Crowley Gents/Ladies (Louisiana), Gurdon Go-Devils (Arkansas), Roncalli Catholic Crimson Pride (Nebraska), Shenandoah Zeps (Ohio) and Danville Little Johns (Arkansas). 

Vote: Gents/Ladies, Go-Devils, Crimson Pride, Zeps, Little Johns vie for high school mascot bracket's final spot

Read More

Vote: Gents/Ladies, Go-Devils, Crimson Pride, Zeps, Little Johns vie for high school mascot bracket's final spot

Read More

Here are the overall seeds, sorted according to which teams earned the most votes in our fall statewide contests. Each team's write-up ends with the total number of votes it received during SBLive Sports' fall mascot contests, its first-round matchup and when that matchup's poll will be released.

1. Oakville Acorns (Washington)

Even the mightiest of all oaks starts as an acorn, but Oakville’s athletic personification of the Acorn in its gym is something so mighty-looking that even He-Man might blush. (198,232 votes). First-round matchup: Thursday, March 14 vs. Somers Tuskers.

2. Charles Wright Tarriers (Washington)

No, not the Terriers. “Tarrier” is an Irish/Scotch ethnic stereotype, with one definition meaning a “loiterer” and another saying it’s a kind of railroad worker. (103,408 votes). First-round matchup: Wednesday, March 13 vs. Beresford Watchdogs.

3. Coalinga Horned Toads (California)

Coalinga’s Horned Toad history goes back to 1935, when the first Horned Toad Derby was run in town. The event pits captured wild horned toads against one another in a race on a makeshift track, while Coalinga High School athletes compete on a more state-of-the-art track. (72,114 votes). First-round matchup: Thursday, March 14 vs. Chattanooga Central Purple Pounders.

4. Hollister Haybalers (California)

More commonly referred to as the ‘Balers, their pitchfork-wielding mascot looks straight out of a bucolic horror movie. Hollister is an agricultural area neighboring Gilroy (the garlic capital of the world), and the pair’s annual rivalry football game against each other is called the Prune Bowl. (55,017 votes). First-round matchup: Wednesday, March 13 vs. Haines Glacier Bears.

5. Tarpon Springs Spongers (Florida)

This is as good as it gets when it comes to geographically specific nicknames. Tarpon Springs is the sponge capital of Florida, so it’s fitting that the high school’s sports teams are called the Spongers. Just visit the Tarpon Springs Sponge Docks one time and you’ll get the picture. (31,134 votes). First-round matchup: Wednesday, March 13 vs. Marion Swamp Foxes.

6. Key West Conchs (Florida)

Key West is the farthest-south high school in the continental United States, and it has the only Conchs in the country in high school sports. Featuring an area rife with that seashell on local beaches, the mascot is a big hit with locals. (20,718 votes). First-round matchup: Thursday, March 14 vs. Vermont Commons Flying Turtles.

7. Omaha Benson Mighty Bunnies (Nebraska)

Omaha Benson High School moved in the 1920s to a field formerly loaded with bunnies, and its mascot choice would foreshadow a 1975 Monty Python scene showing just how mighty bunnies can be. (10,381 votes). First-round matchup: Wednesday, March 13 vs. Alamosa Mean Moose.

8. Ridgefield Spudders (Washington)

The Spudders’ mascot is a potato, and one of its feeder elementary schools, Union Ridge, is the home of the Tater Tots. Excellent taste and presentation. (7,490 votes). First-round matchup: Thursday, March 14 vs. Edward Little Red Eddies.

9. Ord Chanticleers (Nebraska)

There’s only one Chanticleers in the college ranks (Coastal Carolina), and Ord has the nickname to itself among U.S. high schools. “Chanticleer” is an old English word for “chicken” and a name commonly appearing in old fables. (7,003 votes). First-round matchup: Thursday, March 14 vs. Anaconda Copperheads.

10. Compton Tarbabes (California)

In 1927, a community college was added to Compton High School’s campus, and the mascot changed from the Lions to the Tartars (a Mongolian warrior). The college was known for being “Adult” Tartars while the high school was considered “Baby” Tartars. The Baby Tartars have had many nicknames over the years: Little Tartars, Tartar babies, Babes and now the Tarbabes. (5,578 votes). First-round matchup: Wednesday, March 13 vs. Roosevelt Teddies.

11. North Kingstown Skippers (Rhode Island)

These aren’t the only Skippers in the country, but there’s no mascot like it at U.S. high school sporting events. A student dresses up in a yellow slicker and hat and goes bonkers on the sidelines to rile the fans up. (1,564 votes). First-round matchup: Thursday, March 14 vs. Vineland Fighting Clan.

12. Alma Airedales (Arkansas)

Alma is arguably the most marketing-savvy high school in the country. By taking on “Airedales” as its mascot, the school has become an international destination for lovers of that dog breed. The student-managed school store, the aire-looms, is part of the curriculum through the Distributive Education Clubs of America (DECA) and sells its Airedale-themed wares from Australia to Western Europe. (1,148 votes). First-round matchup: Wednesday, March 13 vs. Wai'anae Seariders.

13. Fordyce Redbugs (Arkansas)

Workers clearing the land to build a new football field in the 1920s were tormented by chiggers, aka redbugs. The name stuck for a Fordyce football program rich in history — future Alabama coaching legend Paul “Bear” Bryant played there. (998 votes). First-round matchup: Wednesday, March 13 vs. Clinton Dark Horses.

14. Jordan Beetdiggers (Utah)

Jordan High School for years offered a two-week break of its own for students to assist in harvesting sugar beets, the area's main crop. (817 votes). First-round matchup: Thursday, March 14 vs. Tonopah Fighting Muckers.

15. Clarkston Bantams (Washington)

Originally the Sandpipers, Clarkston became the Bantams in 1937. They've also been called the Fighting Bantams and Mighty Bantams. The impressive Bantam (a rooster) logo the school uses today (see above) was designed in the early 2000s by an art teacher at the school. (770 votes). First-round matchup: Wednesday, March 13 vs. Rhinelander Hodags.

16. Cairo Syrupmakers (Georgia)

During a heavy rainstorm at a football game many years ago, workers at the Cairo syrup shelter brought over their raincoats labeled "Roddenbery's Syrup" on the backs of the jackets to keep the players dry. Reflecting this heritage, the Cairo (pronounced “kay-row") football team was named the Syrupmakers, and it stuck for all sports. The school’s physical mascot is a syrup pitcher. (694 votes). First-round matchup: Thursday, March 14 vs. Hillsboro-Deering Hillcats.

17. Fort Vancouver Trappers (Washington)

Originally called Vancouver High School when it opened in the late 1800s, the high school is named after Fort Vancouver, an early trading outpost near the Columbia River across the Oregon border. The high school chose the Trappers as its mascot in honor of the fur trade in the area in the early 19th century. (565 votes). First-round matchup: Wednesday, March 13 vs. Polo Marcos.

18. Lincoln Abes (Washington)

Roosevelt High School in Minnesota has the Teddies, and Lincoln High School in Tacoma has the Abes. You have to respect Lincoln's honest take on one of the country’s best-respected presidents. On a related note, there are seven Hoover high schools in the United States, but none is called the Herbs. (545 votes). First-round matchup: Thursday, March 14 vs. Archmere Academy Auks.

19. Corbin Redhounds (Kentucky)

Any fan of Clifford the Big Red Dog needs to get their hands on some Corbin swag now. The Redhounds' mascot looks like Clifford wearing a white sweater and white hat with a bold red C on each. (509 votes). First-round matchup: Wednesday, March 13 vs. Carlsbad Cavemen.

20. Shelton Highclimbers (Washington)

If climbing is your thing, it’s a good goal to try to climb high. And Shelton High School is just south of the Olympic National Forest, so high-climbing opportunities abound. (493 votes). First-round matchup: Thursday, March 14 vs. Crisfield Crabbers.

21. Camas Papermakers (Washington)

When you think about the amount of paper that high schools go through every year, it makes a lot of sense to devote a mascot to its production. Somebody has to make it. Camas’ physical mascot is a life-like paper-rolling machine, in honor of the town's founding industry, the production of paper goods at the Georgia Pacific paper mill near the Columbia River. (482 votes). First-round matchup: Thursday, March 14 vs. Tabernacle of Prayer Christian Revelators.

22. Ascension Episcopal Blue Gators (Louisiana)

More than 100 high schools in the U.S. go by the Gators, but there’s only one Blue Gators, and they’re in Lafayette, Louisiana, at Ascension Episcopal. (413 votes). First-round matchup: Thursday, March 14 vs. Alabama School for the Deaf Silent Warriors.

23. Lincoln Fighting Zebras (California)

No, zebras aren’t roaming around the Sacramento suburb of Lincoln. The name came 100 years ago courtesy of the school's student paper, which pointed out the zebra-like appearance of the basketball players in their striped warm-up suits. (377 votes). First-round matchup: Wednesday, March 13 vs. Avon Old Farms Winged Beavers.

24. Lancaster Golden Gales (Ohio)

These are the only Gales of any color in U.S. high school sports, and the reason that name came to be is golden. Until the 1930s they were the Golden Tornadoes, but that name was too long for the local newspaper's press, so a sports writer came up with Golden Gales as a more fitting alternative. The school's physical mascot is Gusto. (302 votes). First-round matchup: Wednesday, March 13 vs. Northampton Konkrete Kids.

25. Crowley Gents/Ladies (Louisiana)

Ladies and gentlemen, let us introduce you to Crowley High School, home of the Ladies and Gents. It’s pretty simple: The boys sports teams are called the Gents and the girls teams are called the Ladies. (294 votes). Play-in game against Gurdon Go-Devils, Roncalli Catholic Crimson Pride, Shenandoah Zeps and Danville Little Johns begins Monday, March 4.

26. Gurdon Go-Devils (Arkansas)

Gurdon’s mascot is a purple and yellow devil, but a Go-Devil is a piece of logging equipment from a bygone era. The go-devil was a simple one-horse sled used by loggers to haul trees in the early 1900s. (223 votes). Play-in game against Crowley Gents/Ladies, Roncalli Catholic Crimson Pride, Shenandoah Zeps and Danville Little Johns begins Monday, March 4.

27. Roncalli Catholic Crimson Pride (Nebraska)

Not to be confused with the Crimson Tide, Roncalli Catholic has the only Crimson Pride in the nation among U.S. high schools. Its mascot is Rocky the Lion. (168 votes). Play-in game against Crowley Gents/Ladies, Gurdon Go-Devils, Shenandoah Zeps and Danville Little Johns begins Monday, March 4.

28. Ashland Clockers (Massachusetts)

Ashland teams sport cartoon clocks on their uniforms in honor of the Warren Clock Company, a big job provider in town in the early to mid-1900s that was founded by MIT grad Henry Ellis Warren, inventor of the electric clock. (157 votes). First-round matchup: Thursday, March 14 vs. Northeast Dubois Jeeps.

29. Shenandoah Zeps (Ohio)

The nation’s first U.S. Navy zeppelin crumbled near the site of Shenandoah High School. In 1925, the USS Shenandoah became caught up in violent thunderstorms, and the zeppelin crashed in Caldwell, Ohio, making international news. Shenandoah honors that history by going by the Zeps. (142 votes). Play-in game against Crowley Gents/Ladies, Roncalli Catholic Crimson Pride, Danville Little Johns and Gurdon Go-Devils begins Monday, March 4.

30. Danville Little Johns (Arkansas)

Danville’s "Little Johns" mascot is a translation of the French “Petit Jean,” words synonymous with the local legend of a heroic young French girl. The name “Petit Jean” went to a nearby river, mountain and Arkansas' first state park, and the high school chose the English translation. (140 votes). Play-in game against Crowley Gents/Ladies, Roncalli Catholic Crimson Pride, Shenandoah Zeps and Gurdon Go-Devils begins Monday, March 4.

31. Taylorsville Tartars (Mississippi)

Tartars are fierce Mongolian warriors that date back to the days of Genghis Khan. That fighting spirit remains alive in Taylorsville, Mississippi. (133 votes). First-round matchup: Wednesday, March 13 vs. Miami Wardogs.

32. Kenmare Honkers (North Dakota)

Canada geese are commonly referred to as "honkers" for the loud sound they make, and there are large populations of the birds in Kenmare. Instead of trying to drive the birds away, the city immortalized them with the highest honor: representing the town as the high school's mascot. (126 votes). First-round matchup: Wednesday, March 13 vs. Hutto Hippos.

33. Colon Magi (Michigan)

Colon, Michigan, is the magic capital of the world, and Magi the Rabbit is Colon High School’s mascot (sometimes depicted as a rabbit in a hat). Magi also, of course, were noble pilgrims from the East who followed a miraculous guiding star to Bethlehem. (91 votes). First-round matchup: Wednesday, March 13 vs. Orofino Maniacs.

34. Man Hillbillies (West Virginia)

Several high schools in the U.S. go by the Hillbillies, but no city name makes it work quite like Man, West Virginia. (52 votes). First-round matchup: Thursday, March 14 vs. Waterloo West Wahawks.

35. Bend Lava Bears (Oregon)

A bear dripping with lava? Not quite. The lava bear is a legendary variety of black bear found in the lava beds of south central Oregon. The few “lava bears” that were killed or captured were a little larger than a badger. Today, it is acknowledged that lava bears never existed as a unique species. So although Small Bears would be more accurate, Lava Bears sounds way cooler. (49 votes). First-round matchup: Wednesday, March 13 vs. Archie Whirlwinds.

36. Yuma Criminals (Arizona)

Here's how Yuma High School tells it: In 1913, "the Yuma football team traveled to Phoenix to play the 'Coyotes.' Yuma High won. The angry 'Coyotes' dubbed the Yuma High players the 'Criminals.' At first 'Criminals' was a fighting word. Before long, students and teachers wore the name with pride, and in 1917, the school board officially adopted the nickname. Yuma High School has been proudly called the home of the 'Criminals' ever since.” (39 votes). First-round matchup: Thursday, March 14 vs. Farson-Eden Pronghorns.

37. Farson-Eden Pronghorns (Wyoming)

Pronghorns are the fastest land mammal in North America and second-fastest in the world after the cheetah. And most of them live in Wyoming, which begs the question: Why are these the only Pronghorns in the nation among high schools? Kudos to Farson-Eden for its speedy choice, and for designing a fantastic Pronghorn logo. (38 votes). First-round matchup: Thursday, March 14 vs. Yuma Criminals.

38. Orofino Maniacs (Idaho)

This one-of-a-kind mascot goes back in the 1920s, when Orofino’s boys basketball team was said to have played like maniacs. At Orofino High School, this means being "ungovernably enthusiastic.” (27 votes). First-round matchup: Wednesday, March 13 vs. Colon Magi.

39. Waterloo West Wahawks (Iowa)

No, we didn’t forget an R. These are the only Wahawks in the country among a sea of Warhawks. The name is derived from Waterloo (Wa) and Black Hawk County (hawk), and the school’s mascot is a hawk-like character named Westy. (26 votes). First-round matchup: Thursday, March 14 vs. Man Hillbillies.

40. Archie Whirlwinds (Missouri)

The origin of the Whirlwinds goes back to 1927-28, when the Archie boys basketball team finished 20-3 and was described by a local paper as being "whirlwinds" on the court. Archie has been the Whirlwinds ever since. (25 votes). First-round matchup: Wednesday, March 13 vs. Bend Lava Bears.

41. Miami Wardogs (Oklahoma)

From the Wardog History section of the Miami (pronounced "My-am-UH") website: "The history of the Wardog mascot for Miami Public Schools in Miami, Oklahoma dates back to the early 1900s. The term 'Wardog' originated from the local mining industry, which was prevalent in the area during that time. Miners would often refer to themselves as 'Wardogs' due to their strong work ethic and resilience. The term eventually became associated with the Miami High School athletic teams, representing their determination and tenacity on the playing field.” (23 votes). First-round matchup: Wednesday, March 13 vs. Taylorsville Tartars.

42. Northeast Dubois Jeeps (Indiana)

A group of Northeast Dubois basketball players were tasked with giving the school a nickname in 1936, and their love of the Popeye comic strip informed their choice. They went with the Jeeps thanks to the character in the strip who said only “Jeep, Jeep, Jeep.” Eugene the Jeep has been the school’s mascot ever since. (20 votes). First-round matchup: Thursday, March 14 vs. Ashland Clockers.

43. Hesston Swathers (Kansas)

A swather is a piece of farming equipment that's crucial to the town of Hesston. From an article on farmlife.com: "The swather mascot first came into play in 1970, says Clint Stoppel, athletic director at the Kansas school. School officials wanted to pay tribute to the AGCO Corporation plant (previously known as Hesston Manufacturing) and the crucial role the manufacturer played then and now in the town’s economy.” (15 votes). First-round matchup: Thursday, March 14 vs. Play-In Winner.

44. Hutto Hippos (Texas)

Local legend traces the origins of the Hutto hippo to 1915, when a circus train carrying animals stopped to fill up with water. The hippo escaped, walked to Cottonwood Creek and stayed there so long that it delayed the train until its handlers were able to get it out. (13 votes). First-round matchup: Wednesday, March 13 vs. Kenmare Honkers.

45. Avon Old Farms Winged Beavers (Connecticut)

The school’s founder, Theodate Pope Riddle, chose the Winged Beaver as the school’s mascot to reflect the school’s motto, Aspirando et Perseverando, aspiring and persevering. The wings of aspiration represent the soaring flight of an eagle, and perseverance is symbolized in the diligence of a beaver. (12 votes). First-round matchup: Wednesday, March 13 vs. Lincoln Fighting Zebras.

46. Alabama School for the Deaf Silent Warriors (Alabama)

“Warriors” is one of the most common high school mascots in the country, but Alabama School for the Deaf is a one-of-a-kind as the Silent Warriors. The school has a long history of excellence in athletics, winning 32 total national championships across multiple sports. (11 votes). First-round matchup: Thursday, March 14 vs. Ascension Episcopal Blue Gators.

47. Tabernacle of Prayer Christian Revelators (Virginia)

A revelator is one who reveals the will of God, and faith-based Tabernacle of Prayer Christian is the one school in the country that goes by the Revelators. (11 votes). First-round matchup: Thursday, March 14 vs. Camas Papermakers.

48. Northampton Konkrete Kids (Pennsylvania)

In 1922, Northampton was the center of the world’s cement industry, and the high school sports teams were referred to as the Konkrete Kids. In honor of the area’s high population of German immigrants, the spelling of concrete was changed to konkrete, the spelling as it appears in the German language. (10 votes). First-round matchup: Wednesday, March 13 vs. Lancaster Golden Gales.

49. Carlsbad Cavemen (New Mexico)

Carlsbad's Cavemen score extra points over the other Cavemen in the country thanks to historical authenticity. Carlsbad Caverns National Park features more than 100 caves. (9 votes). First-round matchup: Wednesday, March 13 vs. Corbin Redhounds.

50. Polo Marcos (Illinois)

Undoubtedly one of the historically punniest mascot names in the country, right alongside Minnesota’s Roosevelt Teddies and Washington’s Lincoln Abes. (8 votes). First-round matchup: Wednesday, March 13 vs. Fort Vancouver Trappers.

51. Archmere Academy Auks (Delaware)

Auks spend all their time on the open seas and head to shore only to breed. They never do so in Claymont, Delaware, home of Archmere Academy, so why did the school — alma mater of President Joe Biden — choose the Auk in 1932? No one knows for sure, but it's an expertly designed logo, with the auk's beak forming the stem of the A. (7 votes). First-round matchup: Thursday, March 14 vs. Lincoln Abes.

52. Crisfield Crabbers (Maryland)

Known as "the Seafood Capital of the World," the city of Crisfield has a giant crab on its welcoming water tower. The Crisfield Crabbers were a minor league baseball team in the 1920s and '30s, and the high school decided to keep the name alive. (6 votes). First-round matchup: Thursday, March 14 vs. Shelton Highclimbers.

53. Tonopah Fighting Muckers (Nevada)

Tonopah is in mining country in off-the-beaten-path Nevada, and mucking is a little-known mining process. Muck is a mix of silver, rock and dirt, and muckers load it into ore cars for it to be rolled to the surface and processed. Fighting Muckers, on the other hand, play high school sports. (6 votes). First-round matchup: Thursday, March 14 vs. Jordan Beetdiggers.

54. Clinton Dark Horses (North Carolina)

Nicknamed Clinton U because of its Indianapolis Colts-like horseshoe logo, the Dark Horses have been anything but dark horses on the football field. The program’s five state championships help make its mascot one of the most ironic in the nation. (5 votes). First-round matchup: Wednesday, March 13 vs. Fordyce Redbugs.

55. Hillsboro-Deering Hillcats (New Hampshire)

A combination of a bobcat and a lynx, these are the only Hillcats in the nation among high schools. The red cat in Hillsboro-Deering’s logo is definitely not one you’d ever want to try to pet. (5 votes). First-round matchup: Thursday, March 14 vs. Cairo Syrupmakers.

56. Rhinelander Hodags (Wisconsin)

The history of the hodag is strongly tied to the city of Rhinelander, where it was claimed to have been discovered. The hodag — a fearsome creature resembling a large bull-horned carnivore with a row of thick curved spines down its back — has figured prominently in early Paul Bunyan stories. (5 votes). First-round matchup: Wednesday, March 13 vs. Clarkston Bantams.

57. Wai’anae Seariders (Hawaii)

Wai’anae has one of the best high school logos in the country, with a mysterious, muscular, spear-toting warrior riding a shark. From the Wai’anae website: “The Searider is the official mascot of Wai'anae High School. A warrior of the ahupua'a, he is tasked with protecting the coastline.” (5 votes). First-round matchup: Wednesday, March 13 vs. Alma Airedales.

58. Anaconda Copperheads (Montana)

The Anaconda Anacondas seems so obvious, so why not the Copperheads? After all, there are no anacondas or copperheads in Montana, and the Anaconda Common Gartersnakes wouldn't strike much fear in opponents. (4 votes). First-round matchup: Thursday, March 14 vs. Ord Chanticleers.

59. Roosevelt Teddies (Minnesota)

There are a whole bunch of Roosevelt high schools in the U.S., and most are nicknamed the Rough Riders or the Roughriders. But Minneapolis has the only Roosevelt Teddies. (4 votes). First-round matchup: Wednesday, March 13 vs. Compton Tarbabes.

60. Vineland Fighting Clan (New Jersey)

Formerly called the Poultry Clan, the Fighting Clan mascot is rooted in Vineland’s history of chicken farming. Rowdy Rooster stalks the sidelines at Vineland sporting events. (4 votes). First-round matchup: Thursday, March 14 vs. North Kingstown Skippers.

61. Alamosa Mean Moose (Colorado)

Alamosa alternatively goes by the Maroons and the Mean Moose, but we’re honoring the latter. People who live around bears and moose know that it’s the moose you really want to be careful around. And Alamosa’s Mean Moose mascot looks even more fearsome than your average moose. (3 votes). First-round matchup: Wednesday, March 13 vs. Omaha Benson Mighty Bunnies.

62. Edward Little Red Eddies (Maine)

Philanthropist Edward Little founded this school in the 1800s, and the mascot is the ghost of Edward Little (yep, it’s red). The school nickname was originally the Red Ghosts, but it evolved into the Red Eddies in the 1940s. Solid choice. (3 votes). First-round matchup: Thursday, March 14 vs. Ridgefield Spudders.

63. Marion Swamp Foxes (South Carolina)

Francis Marion was known as the Swamp Fox during the Revolutionary War because of his camouflage skills in the forested surroundings. Marion the town was named after the military hero, and the high school took it even further by taking his nickname. (3 votes). First-round matchup: Wednesday, March 13 vs. Tarpon Springs Spongers.

64. Vermont Commons Flying Turtles (Vermont)

This nickname came about on the fly when a Vermont Commons volleyball coach went to register the team. Peter Goff told vtcng.com, “We were asked for a team name. The school had the turtle as part of its logo, so we said, ‘OK, we’re The Turtles.’ The woman behind the desk said, ‘The Turtles? That’s not very scary,’ so we thought a moment and said, ‘How about the Flying Turtles?’ and the rest was history.” (3 votes). First-round matchup: Thursday, March 14 vs. Key West Conchs.

65. Haines Glacier Bears (Alaska)

Haines didn’t just arbitrarily throw a “Glacier” in front of one of sports’ most common nicknames just for the heck of it. Glacier bears are grayish bears unique to Southeast Alaska, bearing a genetic history influenced by the region’s glaciation. Spotting one in the wild would count as a once-in-a-lifetime experience. (2 votes). First-round matchup: Wednesday, March 13 vs. Hollister Haybalers.

66. Beresford Watchdogs (South Dakota)

Beresford chose to be different from all the Bulldogs out there by being the only high school in the U.S. to go with Watchdogs. Roger the Watchdog is even known to get festive during the holidays. (1 vote). First-round matchup: Wednesday, March 13 vs. Charles Wright Tarriers.

67. Chattanooga Central Purple Pounders (Tennessee)

Stan the Pounder Man wields some serious clout at Chattanooga Central sporting events — and a giant fake hammer. They became the Purple Pounders thanks to a 1935 football season in which they pounded the opposition, and Stan the Pounder Man commemorated Stan Farmer, a past principal who also coached a lot of dominant Chattanooga Central football teams. (1 vote). First-round matchup: Thursday, March 14 vs. Coalinga Horned Toads.

68. Somers Tuskers (New York)

The town of Somers is known for hosting the first American circus, so the high school chose an elephant as its physical mascot and called its teams the Tuskers. highschoolfootballamerica.com has a fascinating story on Somers’ elephant- and circus-filled history. (1 vote). First-round matchup: Thursday, March 14 vs. Oakville Acorns.

—

-- Mike Swanson | swanson@scorebooklive.com | @sblivesports