by Cue the band, raise the lights, and don your apparel. Friday night football has returned, and week one was anything but a disappointment as students, fans, and players returned to their home stadiums to ring in the 2019 season.
For one hometown, the coming of fall is marked with cleats on the dirt, fans in the stands, and the pride of the red and white known. It is more than a tradition, it is a lifestyle. It is more than a team, it is a family. It is more than a school, it is a home.
The Beaver Local Beavers kicked off their 2019 run in a battle with the Labrae Vikings, prevailing through four quarters of high intensity and persistent powering to reward them the season opening win. A 21-14 final score gave them the upper hand, and the victory bell rung loud and proud, alerting everyone in the area that the Beavers had arrived and they were here to stay.
“We’re feeling amazing,” said Beaver Local senior Daniel Wirth following the game. “Everyone thought that we wouldn’t beat them, but we came and showed everyone. I think we’re going to do great things this year.”
The students came out in full force, supporting their battling brothers by cramming the student section for the first themed game of the season. A white-out blinded the right section of the stadium, and the cheers were deafening from the first to the foruth quarters as the rally to victory continued.
“As a whole school we know how to come together and show our pride. So, whenever we win it means a lot for everybody. Not only the players, but to the whole, entire school,” said Beaver Local junior Ashton Bowser.
But it’s not only the high school that is included in the celebration. Young athletes with the hopes of, one day, getting their own time to shine on the field arrive in their face paint and their apparel to support the current students that stand in the shoes waiting to be filled. It is a tradition that dates back for generations, with sons of fathers, and brothers of brothers, representing the red and white on the field during their time.
Under the brightness of the lights, the players are seemingly invincible, and although they don’t always realize it, they are doing much more than playing the sport that they love. They are inspiring the next generation of Beavers to play theirs.
“I’m going to start cheering next year,” third-grader McKenzie exclaimed with excitement as she watched the Beaver Local cheerleading squad do their routines throughout the game. “[The cheerleaders] teach me to always be positive!”
High school sports have a unique way of uniting the community, but none do it better than high school football. It is the highlight of the fall season and the pride and joy of a hometown that each took turns taking their steps under the lights in their own way. Whether it is the memories of old teammates, old battles, and old victories, or it is the memory of old friends, old tailgates, and old cheers, high school football connects us all at the core.
As the temperatures begin to chill and the sun begins to set sooner, one thing is certain.
Football season has arrived.
Grab your gloves and get ready, and here is to the 2019 season.
