This Halloween, under the crisp autumn air, Lakeside High School prepares to play Woodward Academy in a highly anticipated football showdown. Adding an extra layer of excitement, the game takes place on Halloween night, promising a unique blend of athletic competition and spooky festivities. Lakeside, with its focused approach and seasoned coaching staff, is ready to tackle this unusual game day.
The coaching staff at Lakeside High School is deeply aware of the unique challenges and opportunities presented by a Halloween game. Coach Buice, a seasoned professional with six years of dedication to the Lakeside program, emphasized the team’s natural ability to concentrate. “ They are very focused and self-focused,” Coach Buice explained, “ and if not redirected, they tend to stay focused”. This inherent discipline is a cornerstone of their preparation. Coach Sims, who has been with Lakeside for four years, further elaborated on their team culture. “ One thing we instill in our players is the importance of discipline when there is a goal to accomplish. Our kids stay focused because they see us as Coaches focused,” he stated. While neither coach has plans for elaborate Halloween pranks on their players, they are maintaining a vigilant stance, anticipating strategic surprises from their opponents. “ You always suspect a trick play to score,” Coach Buice commented, acknowledging the potential for the unexpected. Coach Sims, in his role as offensive coordinator, added a touch of playful mystery, admitting, As a coach, you always suspect some trickery. As offense coordinator, I have a few tricks up my sleeve.”
For the student-athletes, playing on Halloween night is an exciting experience. Ayden Grubel, an 11th grader and a key player for Lakeside, expressed his enthusiasm for the occasion: “ Excited because it’s a big game on a big night”, Grubel shared, highlighting the significance of the date. Having never played on Halloween before, he finds that the holiday doesn’t disrupt his game-day routine. His perspective is one of unwavering dedication: “It means businesses gotta stay focused.” If the rules allowed for costumes without impacting performance, Grubel would be Spider-Man. When asked about what spooks him most, Grubel believes a “ ghost in the locker room” would be far scarier than a last-second field goal, a sentiment that captures the playful, eerie spirit of the holiday.
The coaches themselves have experienced moments on the football field that can only be described as chilling. Coach Buice recounted a deeply unsettling incident from his college playing days where a teammate suffered a broken neck, a stark reminder of the physical risks involved in the sport. Coach Sims shared an equally harrowing memory of a teammate whose spleen burst during an onside kick, a “life-threatening” event that underscored the unpredictable nature of football. Despite the Halloween backdrop, both coaches plan to forego traditional celebrations. “ I don’t celebrate Halloween, so I will be going home and enjoying my wife and kids,” Coach Sims stated, reflecting a desire for family time over festivities. Coach Buice also indicated a preference for heading home, noting, “ Go home doesn’t like to go out on Halloween because people are crazy.”
The Lakeside players are channeling the holiday spirit into their game preparation, although with a serious mindset. Grubel’s superstitions include wearing his “Hey Dude shoes” to games, a quirky tradition that he believes gives him a competitive edge. His biggest fear, both on and off the field, is losing. For Grubal and the team, the focus remains squarely on securing a victory against Woodward Academy. Following the game, Grubel plans to go out and celebrate at Waffle House. While the night might be infused with the playful frights of Halloween, Lakeside is prepared to deliver a performance characterized by focus, discipline, and a determined drive for success on this unique Friday night under the lights.
