As the night rolled in and the bright lights jolted on, eager Prep students gathered around the field for the 2024 Homecoming game. This year’s homecoming game was a refreshing win against Valley Oak’s CES Vanguards, which was much needed following last year’s unexpected and disappointing defeat against the Chadwick Dolphins. With a final score of 57-6, the Prep Wolves soundly defeated the Vanguards, leaving its mark on the student body, faculty and staff members, parents, and even returning alumni as it boosted school spirit, showcased humility, and displayed Prep’s hard work and resilience needed to secure this win.
John Battaglia ‘25 comments on expectations for the game, stating “Last year’s homecoming loss really stuck with the team, especially juniors and seniors who were on the field in the final seconds. Despite the heat interrupting practice, we watched film and prepared the best we could to dominate because we couldn’t bear to lose another homecoming.” He adds that this football season is very much different to his past year’s on the team, “This win was bittersweet knowing it’s the last homecoming game for me. In the past if we won or lost it didn’t matter because I always had next year. Now that it’s over, I have the mentality that every game could be my last, and winning is the only option.” Many seniors on the team concur with Battaglia’s statement, sharing memories and experiences that shaped them as eager freshman, desperate to get 10 seconds of playing time, into who they are today, leaders and role models for the underclassmen.
Asher Jones ‘26, a quarterback on varsity, had impeccable assists, leading to a 66 yard touchdown with the help of Will Koh ‘25. Jones expresses his relationship with the seniors on the team as “friends whom I can learn from.” He adds, “My offensive line is composed of three 4 year varsity players who know tons about football and have really helped me ease into my role as QB, they are a giant part of our team’s success.” Not only have the senior’s this year led the team to victory, but they have fostered brotherly bonds that have built both the trust and depth needed for playoffs.
The team’s success, however, was not solely based on the upperclassmen’s performance. Jack Rome ‘26 electrified the crowd when he successfully maneuvered a 19 yard touchdown. Throughout the game, Spirit Line’s classic “Dynamite” cheer, as well as their half-time performance, kept fans entertained. To add to the energy, the white sea of students found in the student sections had rowdy chants, and lively attitudes, contributing to the overall passion of the game.
Evidently football is much more than just a game. The sport has the ability to hold a community together, creating bonds across grade levels and a universal passion for success. More so, it fosters a culture of perseverance, determination, and school pride. The 2024 Homecoming Game was one players and fans alike will truly relish in for the following years, reminiscing on glory, spirit, and celebration, a testament to the community’s determination for success on and off the field. As Asher Jones put it simply, “We’re 4-0 and not looking to stop anytime soon. Go Wolves!”
