Year two of a growing grudge match is this Saturday.

That’s when Deputy Madness strikes North Callaway.

Organizers were greeted with an enthusiastic response in 2020 and there’s been quite the buzz as the 2021 event draws closer. Zachary M. Carey, Callaway County deputy and North Callaway school resource officer, is excited about what’s on this year’s agenda.

“The basketball game is the main event for sure,” Carey said, “but we have so much more going on. As Deputy (Matt) Huyser and I started this event last year, our goal was to get the students involved as much as we could.”

And that’s what’s been done this year, as the North Callaway cheerleaders will be cheering; the Thunderbirds middle school band will be playing; and the middle school choir will sing the national anthem.

“We will also have a DJ and will be throwing out a lot of Deputy Madness merchandise throughout the event,” Carey said.

Deputy Madness is 6 p.m. Saturday, March 20 at North Callaway High School. The public is welcome and encouraged to attend. Admission is $3. More than just some good-natured competition, the event raises awareness and money for the North Callaway DARE (Drug Abuse Resistance Education) program. The North Callaway PTO (Parent Teacher Organization) will staff the concession stand, with a menu that includes hamburgers, cheeseburgers, hot dogs, candy, drinks, and chips. Proceeds benefit the PTO.

Like last year, the big draw is the basketball game that pits North Callaway school staff members against Callaway County sheriff’s deputies. But there are plenty more events surrounding the big game.

“This year we have added more crowd-involvement games,” Carey said, “such as ‘Guess the Final Score’ and ‘Half-Time Shoot Out.’ ”

In Guess the Final Score, contestants can try their luck at predicting the final score for a chance to win $250. While that may sound easy, Carey says there’s one caveat.

“The Deputy Madness Plinko board is coming back,” he said. “Lucky contestants play the game after each quarter, which could make or break either team’s score.”

The plinko board came into play last year and was a big hit with the crowd.

“We couldn’t call it Deputy Madness without the madness,” said Carey.

There will also be a half-time shootout — including free-throw, 3-point, and half-court shot contests — giving fans the chance to win up to $500.

“There will be only four contestants at each shot range to win the prize,” Carey said. “They will need to make sure their aim is precise, because they will be wearing alcohol-impairment simulation goggles.”

As for the game, both teams have been busy prepping. Deputies have been gathering on Sundays.

“It’s not so much a ‘practice’ as it is more of a time to get together, chat and get in a workout,” Carey said. “But with our desire and motivation every Sunday, I believe we will be ready on March 20.”

Added to this year’s plays, is something the deputy squad calls the “X”.

“It’s a play we believe the teachers won’t be able to stop,” Carey said with a laugh.

Last year, the North Callaway school staff and alumni won 48-46.

Carey extended his appreciation to everyone who has supported Deputy Madness and encourages anyone interested in joining the effort to contact the Callaway County Sheriff’s Office.

“It is always great working with our local businesses and community in Callaway County,” he said.