Pasha Farmanara, web editor-in-chief

Following the tailgate, Beverly fans flooded the bleachers to watch the varsity football team take on Hawthorne on Friday, Oct. 26. The Homecoming crowd was the largest and loudest of the year.

“I thought that crowd was a lot more excited than in past years and kids from all grades were there, not just the upperclassman,”senior Madison Steinberg said.

The team took the field with extra drive since it was homecoming, and the final home game for all the seniors.

“Homecoming game really brings us to play at top potential. We want to impress our fans. We want to show them what we’re capable of doing,” tight end Jared Foreman said.

After a scoreless first quarter, the second quarter began with a 33 yard touchdown pass from quarterback Zack Bialobos to Foreman.

Building from the momentum of the first touchdown, punt returner Sajun Bibbs returned a punt for a 67 yard touchdown.

“I hoped that my touchdown would spark the rest of the players and help us come out with a win, which we did,” Bibbs said.

After a strong defensive stand forced the Cougars to punt the ball, but the punt was muffed, and recovered by the Cougars. Despite starting their drive on Beverly’s fifteen yard line, Beverly was able to keep their offence out of the endzone.

The rest of the second quarter was scoreless, sending the Normans into halftime with a 12-0 lead.

A special homecoming halftime show was put together for the game which included the band performing “Gangnam Style,” Dance Company performing a circus themed dance arrangement and fire dancers spinning and dancing with torches.

“The band was my favorite part! I could tell they worked really hard and really wanted to entertain the crowd,” said Steinberg.

After the show, the Homecoming nominees took the stage and the winners were announced. Senior Ethan Plante was awarded Homecoming King and Hannah Einbinder was awarded Homecoming Queen.

The football game resumed and the second half began slowly. Runningback Ole Woods made the first score of the third quarter with a two touchdown run.

Beverly allowed Hawthorne to score a late touchdown pass, but Beverly was able to hold onto their lead to win the game 20-6.

Thanks to this win Beverly still has a chance to make the CIF playoffs.

“I do not wish to jinx our chances so all I will say is we must beat Culver City. We have one week to work harder than them. The game on Friday is won through practice on Monday to Thursday,” Foreman said.

The team will need to beat Culver City next week, along with some help by other teams.