After a homecoming spirit week full of anticipation — starting with a digital learning pajama day and ending with each grade repping a different region of the U.S. — the NC student body filled the stands October 17 for the annual homecoming game. Before the match, the NC marching band performed their “Madeline” themed show, followed by the rising club United Sound performing the fight song. These pre-game festivities brought energy to the stadium and prepared fans for the game ahead.
At 7:30 sharp, the NC football team (5-3) ran on the field, ready to defeat the Cherokee Warriors (1-8). This game, fueled by the theme “pink out,” sponsored by Relay for Life, represented breast cancer awareness — while also boosting homecoming morale. With a ribbon on each player’s helmet, the Warriors felt extra dedication to win the game.
The NC Warriors kicked off after winning the coin flip and quickly worked to play offense. The ball resided on the Cherokee Warrior’s side, but the NC Warriors’ strong offensive plays led them to score a touchdown, courtesy of Zach Belyeu (8), and a field goal with eight minutes remaining in the first quarter. The Cherokee Warriors pushed to persevere, but the NC defense put up a fight against their distressed offense. The NC Warriors kept strong and scored another touchdown with three minutes remaining, ending the first quarter with a score of 14-0.
After a quick time out, both teams returned to the field ready for the second quarter. The Cherokee Warriors, filled with vengeance, played rough in hopes of pushing past NC. Their defense remained tight against all of the NC Warriors’ attempts at increasing their score, while their offense worked with gusto to earn points. In the sixth minute, the Cherokee Warriors fought and managed to score two touchdowns, leading to a tied score of 14-14. The NC Warriors called for a timeout to discuss plays, which resulted in them earning a field goal for three points with 3:45 minutes remaining in the quarter. The NC Warriors continued their fight and gained a touchdown in the final minute before halftime. The first half ended with a score of 24-14, with NC in an opportunistic lead.
During halftime, the marching band and the Junior Reserve Officers’ Training Corps (JROTC) lined the field in anticipation of the homecoming court ceremony. Each member of the homecoming court, ordered freshmen to seniors, walked down the aisle as an announcer boasted their academic achievements and goals for the future. After weeks of suspense, the official titles boomed across the stadium to the crowd’s roaring cheers: Roger Ho and Breanna Jimnah as prince and princess, followed by Nate Awobajo and Karol Lelenta as king and queen.
“I’m glad that my peers voted for me to get on the court so I can have fun. It feels great, you know, for somebody who didn’t always have a bunch of friends to have a bunch of people vote for you to get [on the court], and it feels pretty awesome. [During the game,] I feel like I did good because I got in, I got some good reps in a varsity game, and the team did great because we came out on top. I love the Warriors and I’m so glad that we had this opportunity,” nose guard, guard and junior homecoming court member Anderson Johnson (64) said.
The halftime break reenergized the NC Warriors, granting them an excited energy as they finished out the match. They formed a strong offense, holding the ball near the end zone — Belyeu eventually ran another touchdown with eight minutes left in the third quarter. Following a time-out at the five-minute mark, the Cherokee Warriors decided to attempt a field goal and gained an additional three points. The third quarter ended with an impressive score of 35-17.
Both teams began the final quarter ready to finish their fight. Due to quarterback Teddy Jarrard’s (2) impressive throws, the home team secured two additional touchdowns in the fourth quarter. The Cherokee Warriors attempted to even the playing field with a touchdown and field goal, but NC ultimately reigned as kings of the field, ending the game with an impressive 52-25 win. The high score difference brought pride to the NC student body and led to an enthusiastic homecoming weekend.
“The game was super fun, I found it great to be with my friends. Being on the court was super exciting. I was so happy to walk with people I loved. Overall, my first homecoming was great; it was full of energy, and the dance was a beautiful sight that made me feel awestruck with all of the decorations and enthusiasm. I think winning the game with such a big score difference got everyone excited for homecoming and brought our school spirit to an all-time high. I definitely will be going to both the homecoming dance and game next year,” magnet freshmen homecoming court member Zoya Choudry said.
