A horde of zombies is heading toward Warren Central, and it’ll take a few Minions, scarecrows and other assorted boys, girls and ghouls to beat them back.

Luckily, it’ll all be within the confines of a fun and friendly softball game.

Warren Central will host its second annual “Spooktacular Softball Game” Thursday night at 6 at Lucy Young Field. It’s a charity game in which the school’s softball and baseball players will take the field dressed in Halloween costumes.

Admission is $5, and children under 12 who come dressed in Halloween costumes will receive candy between innings. All proceeds will go to former Warren Central student Gabrielle Butler, who is battling cancer.

“Every single dollar, every single dime we make will go to her,” Warren Central softball coach Dana McGivney said. “We’ll have the concession stands open, too, and of course donations are welcome.”

The inaugural game last year was modeled after a similar event at Hinds Community College — which, coincidentally, is holding its “Monster Mash at Moss” game Thursday at 6 p.m. in Raymond — and served as a fundraiser for Afton Wallace.

Wallace, a student at WC, was suffering from cancer. She died in May, a few days after graduation.

Brooke Patterson, now a senior on WC’s softball team, suggested the idea to McGivney.

“It’s funny to watch people run around in Halloween costumes, and I figured it was a great way to help Afton,” Patterson said. “Everyone had so much fun last year and wanted to do it again. Coach Mac did some research and found out about Gabrielle.”

After Wallace’s death, the decision was made to make it an annual event to both help people and keep Wallace’s memory alive. McGivney said last year’s game raised about $3,000 and she’s hoping to match or exceed that total this time.

“We want to try to keep it going in her memory, and find somebody in our community that’s deserving and needs this,” McGivney said. “Last year it was a last-minute thing and this year we’ve had time to advertise and get the word out.”

Although there’s a serious and somber intent to the game, everyone involved was quick to point out that it’s a lot of fun as well.

There will be a costume contest for fans, but not as much among the players, Patterson said. Their main concern, especially with a year’s experience under their belt, is to find something that’s as functional as it is stylish.

“Most of the time we just want to make sure we don’t have the same thing and can actually play the game,” Patterson, who plans to dress as a scarecrow, said with a laugh. “I think it was hard for SK (Sarah Kate Smith) and Lawren (Boolos) to pitch when they had their costumes on last year. I had to come in and pitch.”

If You Go

Warren Central’s second annual “Spooktacular Softball Game” will be held Thursday at 6 p.m. at Lucy Young Field. Admission is $5, and all proceeds benefit former WC student Gabrielle Butler, who is battling cancer.