The heavy downpour did not stop the pursuit of senior night. Despite the rain, the student section was still big in number, with a pink sea of hoods, ponchos and umbrellas. It was the last scheduled regular season home football game, the last definite time students from the band, band front, football team and cheerleading squad would play on their home field.

The football team held a team dinner at the Wheel days before the big game. On senior night, parents and relatives lined up to escort and congratulate their football players on their successful years of playing.

“I feel as if this season has been very successful so far. I will miss two-a-days because that is the time our team really came together. As for next year’s team, do not cheat the weight room, work hard and go to every summer workout,” senior, Nick Joy football player, said.

Cheerleaders exchanged gifts between their little and big sisters. Senior football players also exchanged gifts with their cheerleaders. Cheerleaders were escorted onto the field by loved ones as well.

“I will miss cheerleading with my fellow cheerleaders. My tip for next year’s squad would be to practice more. Although it was a rainy night, it was unforgettable. I love cheerleading with the student section, and also cheering for the boys. Hopefully it won’t be the last home game,” senior, Morgan Murphy cheerleader, said.

As usual, the band and band front opened up the home game with a performance. For senior night, announcers called out the names of individual seniors within the band and band front during the show.

“We honor our seniors every year with senior pins and a cake with their picture on it,” Mr. Craig Shoener, band director, said.

Seniors band members were treated on their special night.

“The entire time that we were in the band room with our parents, I did not feel sad at all. When my name was announced on the field, I was excited and proud, but when we played the alma mater, I became a little choked up. It finally hit me that it was the last time, and as sad as I was, I felt excited for the future,” senior, Rachel Rubright band member, said.

Leaders responsible for the activities acknowledged their feelings on the event.

“It is always difficult to see your senior members finish their last game. Looking back on the past four years, this group of seniors have always been a hard working group,” Mr. Shoener said.

Thanks to the football team’s current 8-1 record, the seniors may have a second chance at performing on their home field one last time. According to some of the football players, if they beat North Schuylkill tonight, the first playoff game will be home.

“It was really sad knowing that that was the final home game of the regular season, but then finding out that there’s a possibility of another home, has really motivated us to get this win on Friday night for our seniors,” junior, Ian Renninger football player, said.