Homecoming week is arguably one of the best weeks in the entire year when many festivities occur such as different themed days and a final spirit day and Pep Rally. But, the football players were only looking toward one day, Friday.
On Friday, the Santaluces Chiefs clashed against the West Boca Bulls in the most popular game of the year, the Homecoming game. Homecoming this was the final game of the year and the seniors and the Chiefs were looking to come out on top for the final game of their high school careers and the final game of the season for the Chiefs. West Boca came into the game with a record of (4-6) while Santaluces came in with a record of (3-6).
An hour before the game, Homecoming week, sponsored by SGA, came to a close with a bonfire in front of the car loop facing Hypoluxo Road. The Band of Chiefs met fans in the courtyard and led by the varsity cheerleaders and alumni, they all marched to the bonfire site.
But, not everything went as planned on Homecoming night.
In the first quarter, the Chiefs got off to a hot start by scoring an early touchdown in the opening seconds of the game to put Santaluces up 7-0. But, the Bulls responded with two touchdowns to take the lead 14-7 to finish off a energetic first quarter.
In the second quarter, the resilient Chiefs defense pushed West Boca into their own endzone to force a safety and go up two more points, putting the score at 9-14. But, West Boca stormed up the field later in the quarter to put a field goal through the uprights to make the score 17-9 in favor of the Bulls. Santaluces responded and put another touchdown on the board to decrease the deficit to 17-15 at halftime.
During halftime, the Homecoming court came out to the field so the Chiefs could find out who the Homecoming king and queen would be. The winners were seniors Nevin Brown and Angelica Joinvil, who were crowned by SGA.
In the third quarter, the Chiefs conceded another touchdown to put the score 24-15. The Chiefs had many big plays called back due to small penalties and could not decrease the margin.
In the fourth, Santaluces lost its grip of the game and gave up 13 more points to put the margin at 37-15. In one last attempt to get back into the game, the Chiefs scored a touchdown to make the score 37-21, but that was not enough.
Santaluces improved heavily from last year’s team, and the players will work hard in the offseason to come back strong for a push for the playoffs next year.
Final Score:
West Boca: 37
Santaluces: 21
