The homecoming game on Friday, October 24, showcased the best of the Raider football team, from their sportsmanship to their energy. Despite the early touchdown scored by the team, visiting St. Andrews fought back quickly and secured a winning score of 41-6.
The game started with energy and hope. Students waved signs, parents shouted from the stands, and the bleachers seemed to shake.
“I love being able to go to the homecoming games because to me, it is one of the funnest ones to attend. The energy is the highest during the homecoming game, and it’s really suspenseful,” sophomore Alexandra Leal said.
Despite the loss on the field, the night was about more than just football. The halftime show was a highlight for everyone. The Sundancers performed an exciting routine that got the crowd cheering loudly. The band followed with a mix of songs that helped keep the crowd entertained.
“One of my favorite parts of the halftime show is being able to watch the sundancers perform. I love how they also come out with something new, it always keeps me entertained,” said junior Mia Feo.
One of the biggest hits of the afternoon was the student’s field goal kick during the halftime show. Selected fans participated in the event and had a chance to win a $200 gift card for making the kick from the 30-yard line. The night also drew many of our school’s alumni, some of whom wore their old jerseys or class shirts. They joined in on the cheers and took photos with current students, making it clear that homecoming is about tradition and staying connected long after graduation.
“Homecoming night is about tradition and spending time supporting our team,” junior Evan Vineberg said. “Being able to reconnect with my old friends who played football and graduated is something so special, and that’s why I love homecoming,” Vineberg said.
Another highlight of homecoming was the multimedia department’s rendition of ESPN College GameDay. The game was covered by the sports-focused section of RaiderVision, known as Raider Take, with pre-game and post-game updates, and the field goal contest was also inspired by Pat McAfee’s segment on College GameDay.
“The goal for game day is for us to have a game day production every single year in the homecoming event because it’s a way to keep our fans engaged here on the field and also for the people who weren’t able to make it to the game to tune in and have a good time and see what it’s like to be part of the Gulliver family and homecoming,” said Nicolas Bellinatti Grineberg.
The energy felt and the effort shown among the Raider community never diminished. To support our school’s team, the sidelines were filled with cheerleaders, and the student section stayed on their feet for almost the entire game.
“For me, homecoming is all about the excitement [many of us feel],”. I love being able to feel the energy before I play. Beyond that, getting to experience this game as a team is what makes it special,” junior Pierre Calixte said.
Although our team may have lost the game, the effort and sportsmanship shown by our community are what matter most. With all its fun performances, such as those of the Sundancers and the cheerleaders, activities, and a community that kept cheering until the timer went out, the homecoming game was still a day to remember.
