The football team makes “Friday Night Lights” a night to remember as they hope to keep a winning streak against other teams while they prepare for their final home game: senior night. The last game is not all about winning, but about celebrating what these seniors have done and the positive impact they have left on their team and their school.
While senior night might just be the title of the game, for the seniors, it is a moment that means more than just a title. This game is meant to honor what the seniors have accomplished throughout their journey on this team and their hard work and dedication. For this game to make it stick out more than just a regular home game. They wear a black jersey to salute the guys who have been playing football in the program since third grade.
“Senior Night is just the title of the game. We have a ceremony, but we do not get too wrapped up in it. They get their names called out before the game. We wear a black uniform, just to make it stand out a little bit, it is just a salute to some young men who probably have been playing football for us since they were in third grade. But also anybody that has been a part of the program or has come out just for their senior year. It is a nice opportunity to recognize them and their last scheduled home game,” football head coach Beau LaBore said.
The team has one home game at home in between now and senior night. As a team, their biggest goal is to work together and make it all the way to the U.S. Bank Stadium for the state game. The team strategizes in hopes to keep winning streak as they play up until the senior night game.
Senior Joe Fredkove describes senior night as a bigger game because “it is the last game of the year, but we should dominate.”
While senior night might not hold a huge significance to the whole team right now, it is a night for the seniors who have dedicated their time to this team throughout high school. Especially the players who have devoted countless hours on this team and as well as nominated themselves for a leadership role as a captain position.
“As captains we have done a good job of bringing the family aspect together, making sure everyone is accountable, and all being together in the fight. You know, there is not just a one guy solo team, so we really try to bring the team together and involve everyone,” senior Conor McGlynn added.
The team has to work together to strategize for their final scheduled game against Park High school. With their standings currently, the team might be able to give more players a chance to step onto the field throughout the game. The team has their starting players who begin the game and play throughout carrying their team and there are several guys who do not get to play at all.
“Playing against Park could get us on the right foot, but also, it could get different guys on the field that do not always go out on the field, so maybe even give us some breaks for starters. So it could be a positive rather than a negative,” McGlynn said.
Senior night is the final game at home and the final chance for them to leave a mark on home turf. The team has their goals set and hopes to make it to the playoffs and head to the US Bank Stadium to play in state in hopes to receive the state title.
