Homecoming is one of the most anticipated events in the school year, and this one was no different. The bleachers were full of the roar of Mepham students and families as they cheered on our Pirates. Not only was there the excitement for the game, but also for the amazing performances by the Cheer and Kickline teams, and the crowning of Homecoming King and Queen, Noah Mach and Maggie Fitzgerald. After hours of tense moments and great tactics, the Mepham Varsity Football Team was able to secure a 20-0 win against MacArthur. With touchdowns from Tyler Rannaker and Lenny Achan, and amazing plays by the whole team throughout the game, it made for an intense and exhilarating afternoon.
The game started at three in the afternoon, with Alana Muniz singing the National Anthem and Mr. Patten and MacArthur Athletic Director, Keith Snyder, playing “America the Beautiful” on the bagpipes. After a first quarter with no points scored, fans were on the edge of their seats. Finally, the Pirates were able to score a touchdown in the second quarter, leaving them with a 7-0 lead going into halftime. They continued this energy throughout the third and fourth quarter, scoring a touchdown in each, and coming away with the 20-0 victory.
Although the Pirates showed great confidence on the field, it can be hard to remain completely calm when playing in front of so many people. We asked Varsity Football Player #16, Owen Heller, about the pressure the team faces leading up to the Homecoming game, and he said, “At first I know a lot of people were nervous, but we didn’t let it get to us; we wanted to show out for the people that came and prove to everyone that was doubting us we are a good football team and we expect big things this year. That clearly showed with the big win.”
Although the game was the highlight of the day, it wasn’t the only entertainment at Homecoming. The Cheer team, run by Head Coach Ms. Yunker from MAMS and Assistant Coach Mepham teacher Ms. Mooney, was on the sidelines energizing the crowd throughout the entire game. As incentive for louder cheering, the cheerleaders threw some free t-shirts into the audience and got everyone involved in some motivating chants. The team also had an amazing performance during halftime, full of spirit and cool tricks.
Along with the cheer performance, halftime was full of so much more entertainment as well. Grand Marshall Kevin G. Gallagher, Class of 1979 and president of the Mepham Alumni Association, was welcomed to Mepham, along with the Marines. Some more student performances included the Mepham Pep Band run by Mr. Brandofino, who entertained the crowd with some songs like “Pirates of the Caribbean” and “Brass Explosion” (Mepham’s Fight Song). The Kickline team, coached by Ms. Dennis, also gave a phenomenal performance. The girls had a spectacular routine and showed off great skill in their halftime performance.
Arguably the most anticipated part of halftime was the crowning of Homecoming King and Queen. The nominees for king were Noah Mach, Jacob Sarduy, and Xavier Sutherland. The nominees for queen were Maggie Fitzgerald, Arisleiny Clase, and Milan White. Although all the nominees were deserving of the title, Noah Mach and Maggie Fitzgerald were the couple who walked away as the Homecoming King and Queen.
In addition to all the action in the bleachers and on the field, the fans enjoyed the new snack shack, Treasure Chest, and bought some Mepham merchandise. The Treasure Chest is the newest edition to the Mepham Football Field. This snack shop was just opened this season and is already a wonderful addition to the area. The Treasure Chest showed great success as it kept fans hydrated and energized all throughout the game. The Mepham Alumni Association and PTA set up booths selling Mepham attire, attracting many community members who wanted to show some more school spirit. The Marines were also there looking for future recruitments, accompanied by Mepham Class of 2024 alum and active Marine, Shohjahon Saidmurodov.
The 2024 Mepham Homecoming game was full of action and thrill. With performances by the Pep Band and Cheer and Kickline teams, and amazing plays by the Mepham Football team, this was an electric event and a definite highlight of the 2024-2025 school year. If you are able to, make sure to attend Homecoming next year, as it is not an event that should be missed.