For many at school, Friday night football is more than just a game. For some, the aspect of having school spirit and cheering on one’s team with their friends makes it fun, even if one doesn’t quite get what’s happening. It’s a time to forget your daily stress; whether it’s academic, athletic or anything else. While for others, this event may be thought of as the boring chore of having to blare to your instrument during half-time. 

Sophomore Flora Li believes that one of the highlights of the game is the school spirit. 

“I like the vibe at the game,” Li said. “I just don’t get the sport.”

She said that the students cheering, the sunset in the background and the community make the game way more enjoyable. Li also said that the football players are the spotlights of the game, but the energy and ambiance is made by every other participant, from the band to the bleacher fans. Li said she enjoyed spending time with her friends and taking videos and photos as a keepsake for this high school experience. She also said it was also a great way for her to take a break from academic stress and spend a few hours in the evening with some friends.

However, the game looks very different from the perspective of the students required to be there. For some marching band members, cheerleaders, pommers and color guarders, Friday night is work. Sophomore Arianna Duan, a member of the marching band, attends every home game as it is mandatory, although she said views these nights as an obligation. She articulates that her least favorite part is the second half of the game because it gets colder and a majority of the crowd leaves after halftime. Especially when students spend hours perfecting their performances, it is a slight disappointment when a lot of people don’t see it. This part of the match contrasts greatly from the first half with the roaring adrenaline and excitement. The latter half tends to be full with numb fingers and cold instruments. On the other hand, there are some positive sides to the game, such as getting to spend time with friends and make memories, according to Li.

“My favorite part is the cheerleading team performance during halftime,” Li said. 

Some other students also agree that the sport itself isn’t necessarily the highlight of the game

“[My] favorite part is when the game ends or maybe halftime,” Duan said.

From the passionate cheerleader to the dutiful musician, the focused player and of course, the spirited audience, every individual perspective contributes to the atmosphere of Friday night football. The team will compete in the last home game of this year at the Pink Out game against OPRF, kicking off at 7:30 p.m.