On Aug. 30, the boys varsity football team started off the school year with an outstanding win of 26-21 defeating the Vasquez Mustangs.
This was the first home game, which is also the first time in a while that the first game was at home. The stands flooded with students, parents and teachers, all decked out in white for the theme, “White Out.” The school spirit was high and exciting, especially from the freshman class.
“It’s pretty fun! The energy is great. I especially liked the ‘White Out” theme!’ freshman Anya Glucksman said.
Beverly’s faculty also enjoyed the vitality that the crowd displayed, including Assistant Principal Ms. Decatrel.
“I’m looking forward to having this kind of turnout at every game… I think it’s such a positive experience for everyone to be here,” Ms. Decatrel said. “I see kids from the elementary school and the middle school, the whole community comes out. I look forward to that continuing from game to game.”
In addition to the passion of the audience, several other components made the game special. To start, there were a variety of food trucks for everyone to enjoy. The food ranged from Philly cheesesteaks to burritos, ice cream and shaved ice.
“The Philly cheesesteak is getting five-star reviews. I’m trying the burrito truck which is also really good so far!” Ms. Decatrel exclaimed.
To help hype up the crowd, the cheerleaders and band performed. The cheerleaders did impressive tricks and routines, which they had been practicing since the summer. The band played songs such as “Seven Nation Army” by the White Stripes, along with sound effects as the game progressed.
“I’m really happy that we’re scoring and I’m really excited for our team. I’m looking forward to more wins with our team and boning with cheer as a drum major. I’m so glad to be a part of the band and to lead them,” band’s drum major, Rebecca Ben-Yakov expressed.
In previous seasons, Beverly struggled to secure many victories, but this season, the football team has started to rebuild their program. In addition to the 17 freshmen who joined the team, there is a brand new coaching staff. Coach Hasan Muhammad is the new coach of the football program, along with a team of coaches he brought with him from the previous school he worked at. Muhammad has been working hard to ensure that the football team will have a successful season.
“We are a young team so we had some mistakes, some adversity, but our players stayed together, played through, and we’re excited with the outcome…There were times when our players were at low points, but someone always stepped up to pick the team up, everyone responded, and we struck together, so we are very, very proud of them,” Coach Muhammad reflected after the game was over.
On the field, several players scored touchdowns. One of which included Rocco Taylor, both an offensive and defensive player. Taylor scored two touchdowns and had both a 90-yard kick return and a 50-yard kick return.
“I was tired from playing the whole game, but that all went away during my run because I was locked in on scoring the touchdown,” Taylor said as he recalled running 90 yards for his second touchdown of the night.
The first win of the season set up a path that hopefully leads to more success for the team, and Normans are excited to see what they have in store for us.
