March High School Mascot Madness 2024: NCAA Tournament-style bracket, first-round links

Here's the field and first-round matchups in SBLive Sports' annual contest where fans vote for the best high school mascot in America

The race is officially on to crown the best high school mascot in America in 2024.

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. The Danville Little Johns (Arkansas) won the five-team play-in round for the last No. 7 seed.

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 started 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.

Here are the overall seeds, sorted according to which teams earned the most votes in our fall statewide contests, plus links to all 32 first-round matchups. 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 closes.

1. Oakville Acorns (Washington)

Few would want to mess with that Acorn lurking in the background / Courtesy of Oakville High School

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 poll vs. Somers Tuskers closes Thursday, March 21.

Vote for best high school mascot in America, Round 1: Oakville Acorns 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 poll vs. Beresford Watchdogs closes Wednesday, March 20.

Vote for best high school mascot in America, Round 1: Charles Wright Tarriers 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 poll vs. Chattanooga Central Purple Pounders closes Thursday, March 21.

Vote for best high school mascot in America, Round 1: Coalinga Horned Toads 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 poll vs. Haines Glacier Bears closes Wednesday, March 20.

Vote for best high school mascot in America, Round 1: Hollister Haybalers 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 poll vs. Marion Swamp Foxes closes Wednesday, March 20.

Vote for best high school mascot in America, Round 1: Tarpon Springs Spongers 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 poll vs. Vermont Commons Flying Turtles closes Thursday, March 21.

Vote for best high school mascot in America, Round 1: Key West Conchs 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 poll vs. Alamosa Mean Moose closes Wednesday, March 20.

Vote for best high school mascot in America, Round 1: Omaha Benson Mighty Bunnies 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 poll vs. Edward Little Red Eddies closes Thursday, March 21.

Vote for best high school mascot in America, Round 1: Ridgefield Spudders 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 poll vs. Anaconda Copperheads closes Thursday, March 21.

Vote for best high school mascot in America, Round 1: Ord Chanticleers 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 poll vs. Roosevelt Teddies closes Wednesday, March 20.

Vote for best high school mascot in America, Round 1: Compton Tarbabes 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 poll vs. Vineland Fighting Clan closes Thursday, March 21.

Vote for best high school mascot in America, Round 1: North Kingstown Skippers 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 poll vs. Wai'anae Seariders closes Wednesday, March 20.

Vote for best high school mascot in America, Round 1: Alma Airedales 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 poll vs. Clinton Dark Horses closes Wednesday, March 20.

Vote for best high school mascot in America, Round 1: Fordyce Redbugs 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 poll vs. Tonopah Fighting Muckers closes Thursday, March 21.

Vote for best high school mascot in America, Round 1: Jordan Beetdiggers 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 poll vs. Rhinelander Hodags closes Wednesday, March 20.

Vote for best high school mascot in America, Round 1: Clarkston Bantams 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 poll vs. Hillsboro-Deering Hillcats closes Thursday, March 21.

Vote for best high school mascot in America, Round 1: Cairo Syrupmakers 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 poll vs. Polo Marcos closes Wednesday, March 20.

Vote for best high school mascot in America, Round 1: Fort Vancouver Trappers 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 poll vs. Archmere Academy Auks closes Thursday, March 21.

Vote for best high school mascot in America, Round 1: Lincoln Abes vs. Archmere Academy Auks

19. Corbin Redhounds (Kentucky)

Like Clifford? Then you'll love the Corbin Redhounds' mascot / Photo by Lee Navin: For the Register

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 poll vs. Carlsbad Cavemen closes Wednesday, March 20.

Vote for best high school mascot in America, Round 1: Corbin Redhounds 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 poll vs. Crisfield Crabbers closes Thursday, March 21.

Vote for best high school mascot in America, Round 1: Shelton Highclimbers 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 poll vs. Tabernacle of Prayer Christian Revelators closes Thursday, March 21.

Vote for best high school mascot in America, Round 1: Camas Papermakers 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 poll vs. Alabama School for the Deaf Silent Warriors closes Thursday, March 21.

Vote for best high school mascot in America, Round 1: Ascension Episcopal Blue Gators vs. Alabama School for the Deaf Silent Warriors

23. Lincoln Fighting Zebras (California)

Can you guess by the uniforms which team is the Fighting Zebras? :: Photo by Clifford Oto/The Stockton Record/USA Today Network

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 poll vs. Avon Old Farms Winged Beavers closes Wednesday, March 20.

Vote for best high school mascot in America, Round 1: Lincoln Fighting Zebras 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 poll vs. Northampton Konkrete Kids closes Wednesday, March 20.

Vote for best high school mascot in America, Round 1: Lancaster Golden Gales 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). Eliminated in play-in game.

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). Eliminated in play-in game.

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). Eliminated in play-in game.

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 poll vs. Northeast Dubois Jeeps closes Thursday, March 21.

Vote for best high school mascot in America, Round 1: Ashland Clockers 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). Eliminated in play-in game.

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). Won play-in game, and first-round poll vs. Hesston Swathers closes Thursday, March 21.

Vote for best high school mascot in America, Round 1: Danville Little Johns vs. Hesston Swathers

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 poll vs. Miami Wardogs closes Wednesday, March 20.

Vote for best high school mascot in America, Round 1: Taylorsville Tartars 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 poll vs. Hutto Hippos closes Wednesday, March 20.

Vote for best high school mascot in America, Round 1: Kenmare Honkers 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 poll vs. Orofino Maniacs closes Wednesday, March 20.

Vote for best high school mascot in America, Round 1: Colon Magi 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 poll vs. Waterloo West Wahawks closes Thursday, March 21.

Vote for best high school mascot in America, Round 1: Man Hillbillies 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 poll vs. Archie Whirlwinds closes Wednesday, March 20.

Vote for best high school mascot in America, Round 1: Bend Lava Bears 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 poll vs. Farson-Eden Pronghorns closes Thursday, March 21.

Vote for best high school mascot in America, Round 1: Yuma Criminals 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 poll vs. Yuma Criminals closes Thursday, March 21.

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 poll vs. Colon Magi closes Wednesday, March 20.

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 poll vs. Man Hillbillies closes Thursday, March 21.

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 poll vs. Bend Lava Bears closes Wednesday, March 20.

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 poll vs. Taylorsville Tartars closes Wednesday, March 20.

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 poll vs. Ashland Clockers closes Thursday, March 21.

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 poll vs. Danville Little Johns closes Thursday, March 21.

44. Hutto Hippos (Texas)

The Hutto football team crashes through a Texas-sized Hippo banner :: Photo by John Gutierrez: Special to American-Statesman/USA Today Network

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 poll vs. Kenmare Honkers closes Wednesday, March 20.

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 poll vs. Lincoln Fighting Zebras closes Wednesday, March 20.

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 poll vs. Ascension Episcopal Blue Gators closes Thursday, March 21.

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 poll vs. Camas Papermakers closes Thursday, March 21.

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 poll vs. Lancaster Golden Gales closes Wednesday, March 20.

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 poll vs. Corbin Redhounds closes Wednesday, March 20.

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 poll vs. Fort Vancouver Trappers closes Wednesday, March 20.

51. Archmere Academy Auks (Delaware)

A young Joe Biden (30) crouches beside Archmere Academy football coach John Walsh in 1960 / USA Today file photo

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 poll vs. Lincoln Abes closes Thursday, March 21.

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 poll vs. Shelton Highclimbers closes Thursday, March 21.

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 poll vs. Jordan Beetdiggers closes Thursday, March 21.

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 poll vs. Fordyce Redbugs closes Wednesday, March 20.

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 poll vs. Cairo Syrupmakers closes Thursday, March 21.

56. Rhinelander Hodags (Wisconsin)

A Hodag still manages to look fierce with cheese on its head :: Photo by Dan Young/USA Today Network-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 poll vs. Clarkston Bantams closes Wednesday, March 20.

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 poll vs. Alma Airedales closes Wednesday, March 20.

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 poll vs. Ord Chanticleers closes Thursday, March 21.

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 poll vs. Compton Tarbabes closes Wednesday, March 20.

60. Vineland Fighting Clan (New Jersey)

Rowdy Rooster, left, is the physical mascot at Vineland High School / Photo by Deborah M. Marko: The Daily Journal, Vineland Daily Journal via Imagn Content Services

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 poll vs. North Kingstown Skippers closes Thursday, March 21.

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 poll vs. Omaha Benson Mighty Bunnies closes Wednesday, March 20.

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 poll vs. Ridgefield Spudders closes Thursday, March 21.

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 poll vs. Tarpon Springs Spongers closes Wednesday, March 20.

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 poll vs. Key West Conchs closes Thursday, March 21.

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 poll vs. Hollister Haybalers closes Wednesday, March 20.

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 poll vs. Charles Wright Tarriers closes Wednesday, March 20.

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 poll vs. Coalinga Horned Toads closes Thursday, March 21.

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 poll vs. Oakville Acorns closes Thursday, March 21.

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