(9-26-25) For the first time in 100 years, Pickens County High and Gordo will not be facing off in the annual “8 Mile War” football game. 

The announcement was made on Wednesday and comes after a Facebook post made was made by the Gordo varsity cheer team and was criticized for using imagery seen as racist.

According to a report by wvua23.com (Tuscaloosa), the Facebook post said the cheer team declared Friday as “Tame the Tornadoes” day and suggested students dress up in a “safari/tour guide/animal” theme. The photo along with the post showed about a dozen white students dressed casually, with several holding stuffed monkeys or bananas.

Both schools fall within the Pickens County School System. Gordo High is majority white. Pickens County is majority Black.

According to a press release from Gordo High School principal Jeff Campbell, the since-deleted cheer team post was about a dress-up day at Gordo High School and has since been deleted.

On Tuesday, Pickens County County School System Superintendent Shawn McDaniel sent a letter to parents in the system saying an investigation determined no discrimination or profiling was intended in the post. The letter also apologized on behalf of the district for the post.

On Wednesday, Pickens County High School Principal Lee Richardson announced the game would be canceled.

“While the rivalry has been a proud tradition since 1924, a recent social media post from Gordo V Cheer Facebook page caused deep concern among students, families and the community. …out of an abundance of caution, with the safety and well-being of our students, athletes and community placed above all else.”