It’s the game marked on everyone’s calendars: Homecoming. The homecoming game brings everyone together, from alumni to future students. One time of the year when the community can come together under the Friday Night Lights and have fun. The week’s focus is on school spirit and football.
Assistant Principal of five years, Michael Loyd, speaks on his experience at Lakeside High School. We surmised Loyd’s interpretation of homecoming as he stated, “ Homecoming means a time that everyone gets to connect back to their beginnings, and it’s special because you get to see the beautiful things they are doing with their lives.”
When former students come back to support the current Vikings, it brings a sense of unity. With everyone having one thing in common–they attend Lakeside High School.
During a behind-the-scenes with Senior wide receiver and defensive back Jayson Michel, he stressed the importance of this game, which may require enhanced preparation. Jayson stated the team is “watching films, practicing, and adjusting to how they play”, to fully prepare to face the Arabia Mountain Rams.
Friday night, we get to see the blood, sweat, and tears our Vikings have been putting in throughout the week to prepare for our homecoming game. When looking back on last year’s comeback victory, our Vikings beat Arabia Mountain 51-50 in a tense late-night battle. That victory adds to the pressure of it being a homecoming game.
When pulled aside, Senior linebacker Grady Ellerman speaks on the pressure of a game like the homecoming football game. When asked if there is any pressure from the game, Grady simply said, “ Yeah, for sure.” Grady and the team feel the pressure and understand the importance of the game, but will not allow it to affect their play.
Going into the game, our Vikings are sitting on two wins and one loss, recently coming off a road win against Macon County High School. The team has had some guys with outstanding starts to the season: Noah Lanford (Senior Quarterback), Canon Davis ( Sophomore Wide Receiver), Grady Ellerman ( Senior Linebacker), and Seth Williams (Junior Safety). Noah Lanford has been on fire for the Vikings, throwing for 609 yards to start the season. Canon Davis frequently breaks free from the defense with 65 yards per game so far. Grady Ellerman gives offense problems all night long…he has been ranked 17th in the nation for his early 53 tackles this season. Seth Willams hasn’t been shy to show up for the Vikings either, with 21 tackles and 1 interception.
Unforgettable memories made with lifelong friends tend to come in high school for many. Homecoming is something that is recalled for years by people all over the world. This week, some will be experiencing their last homecoming, while others will experience their first.
As the week wraps up, the Viking Community gets increasingly more excited as the Vikings face the AMHS Rams. The student section will be a neon flood, and the stands will be filled with parents and alumni to watch the Vikings row their way to victory. Go Lakeside!
