Crowning at Rodger Stadium

 

By LEIGHA SCHRADER

 

What do people think of when it comes to the fall season of the school year? Sports, parades, fall festivities, and of course, Homecoming. The week of September 30 kicked off the countdown to the Homecoming game. There were many festivities leading up to the big game at Bellefonte Area High School. 

The countdown began with students and staff participating in Student Council’s spirit week. Monday began with America Day, Tye-Dye Tuesday, Color Day on Wednesday; with seniors wearing black, juniors wearing yellow, sophomores wearing blue, and freshman wearing pink. Thursday was Hat Day, and Friday was Red and White Day.

“Student Council puts on Homecoming Spirit week in order to continue the tradition of years past, and encourage school spirit throughout the week in hopes of getting students excited for the Homecoming game,” Student Council President senior Keeli Pighetti said.

On Friday, Raider Revolution put on a Pep Rally to get students excited for the game. The pep rally included the Senior Homecoming court putting on a lip-sync battle, the Marching Band performing, and a dodgeball tournament between fall sports teams. The special events put on by the school, lead up to the big game the night of Friday, October 5. 

The Bellefonte Red Raider football team took on the Penns Valley Rams at 7:00 p.m. for the Homecoming game. The game was very close ending with a score of 14-6 Penns Valley. Bellefonte fought hard, but fell short of the endzone. Their defense kept Penns Valley from scoring for the entirety of the second half. Keeping their quarterback to minimal yards was something the Bellefonte football team is proud of.

“Our entire secondary did an amazing job of holding their quarterback to minimal yards. He is a very good, efficient quarterback, and to hold him to the season lows that we did is impressive,” senior CJ Funk said.

The team hopes to put this game behind them and focus on the rest of the season. The athletes and coaches plan to take this game and learn from it.

“Our focus will remain on our established goals. Losing one game does not dictate the direction of your season or the final outcome of a season,” Varsity Football Coach Shannon Manning said.

The goals of the team will remain the same, going out on the field giving the game their all, and playing hard.

“We always focus on our goal of being the best version of ourselves each week,” senior Trae Bauman said.

During the game the fans were excited and anxious to learn who the Bellefonte Homecoming King and Queen would be. The five couples walked across the field during halftime, all hoping to win the crown.

“Walking across the field was amazing because we could hear the stadium going crazy. The cheers were so loud and it made the night even more special. Special shoutout to Raider Nation for cheering super loud for us,” senior Mallorie Smith said. 

The couples were announced and the Bellefonte Homecoming Queen and King were announced: Mallorie Smith and Aaron Little. 

When we were crowned, it was the best feeling ever. To know that we were picked by the student body to be Homecoming King and Queen is something special,” Mallorie said. 

With the night coming to an end, there were many mixed emotions. Students were excited about the fun week they had, but sad because of the hard-fought loss.