Rainy Night Football Lights

Friday, August 29th was a big night at the Riverdale High School football field. It was the first football game of the season, as well as the elementary school cheerleading clinic, and the middle school tailgate. These events were expected to attract an extra 200 spectators. Many people had their spots claimed, chairs set up, and blankets laid out throughout the lawn by 3 p.m. in anticipation of the big opening game. Prior to the game, the Elementary School Cheerleading clinic participants performed their 80s-inspired dance to a mashup of the songs “Material Girl” by Madonna and “Walking on Sunshine” by Katrina & The Waves. When asked about the performance, Macy Gitchel, high school cheerleader, stated, “We put in a lot of work for the performance over the span of two days. I am proud of what those girls accomplished!” To match the 80s theme, the student section decided on a neon theme. Bright colors, neon wigs, and construction vests filled the stands. The game against the Mendota Trojans began at 7 p.m., along with the rain. Halfway through the first quarter, lightning struck, and the game was delayed. The football players, along with the middle and high school students, were relocated to the gym to wait for the bad weather to pass. To pass the time, the cheer team performed their past dances, and they were eventually joined by students in a big dance party. At 8:30 p.m., the lighting subsided, and the game resumed. Highlights from the game included touchdowns from Caen Beckett, Gaege Heinsen, and Jackson Tegler. It was an absolute shutout of a game, with Riverdale scoring a total of 20 points and Mendota not quite being able to make it into the end zone. The Rams are fired up and ready for an even more successful season! 

By: Caroline Kreiter