Students, parents and teachers all love the Homecoming game. Everyone who showed up to the game exhibited their support for the Raiders by wearing this year’s homecoming shirts and chanted with the cheerleaders. “The experience felt a little bittersweet this time, as we all knew it would be the last,” said senior Victoria Byra. “My friends and I went all out with eye black and outfits, and we cheered extra loud when we got a touchdown.”
Before the game began the varsity dance team and varsity cheer team performed together to “Rock That Body” by the Black Eyed Peas. Pom poms in hand, it was apparent the training they put into performing their stunts and choreography.
Fans got what they came for since the Raiders crushed the Panthers with a dominating 38-10 victory. The student section, filled with Raider fans clad in black to fit the Homecoming games’s black out theme, erupted in cheers as baby powder filled the air.
“I thought the team played awesome together. Everyone did their job and trusted their brother next to them to do theirs. We prepared all week by working hard in practice and watching film to see where we could improve to be better,” said senior Andrew Schwarz.
Both teams played with aggression in the first quarter, featuring strong defensive plays with the score held at 0-0.
In the second quarter, Hillsborough was reaching to be first on the scoreboard. Less than a minute in at the 11-yard line, senior Devon Khurana handed off the ball to Schwarz who burst through a gap for a successful touchdown. A two-point conversion followed by senior Jayden Carter, which brought the Raiders up 8-0.
Bridgewater narrowed the score to 8-7, but with five minutes left, Khurana made another hand off to Schwarz. Taking the ball from the 19-yard line down the middle, Schwarz was tripped up by Junior Evan Woodring on Bridgewater at the 2-yard line. Schwarz was able to complete the run and scored his second touchdown. A kick from Junior Nick Schmitt pulled Hillsborough ahead 15-7. Going into halftime the score was 15-10.
The Marching Band performed their 2025 program “The Night Circus” for those in the stands. senior drum major Abigail VanLangen, a seasoned veteran that members look up to, shared what the show is about. “Unique personalities can come together and achieve greatness. I feel very proud getting to perform with the band, and it is such an amazing opportunity to show the whole school what marching band is all about,” said VanLangen.
Another Homecoming tradition at Hillsborough is the court. Crowned king and queen this year were seniors Eric Albee and Sadie Church. “What made homecoming memorable to me was seeing all of the cheerleaders on the sideline cheering me on for winning, as well as the student section routing Eric and I on. I was being complimented by those who are a part of the student body, and those who live in the town,” Church said.
By the end of the third quarter neither side was willing to fail. Khurana made a throw down the field, caught by Junior Nick Mazzella who was able to run the ball 30 yards to the 11-yard mark. Schwarz broke through Bridgewater’s defense with the help of his teammates, and earned a touchdown. Schmitt with a kick wrapped up the quarter at 22-10.
The action only intensified through the fourth quarter. Bridgewater looked to close the gap to prevent Hillsborough from scoring. At the 14-yard line, Schwarz was handed off the ball, and with Hillsborough’s offense, ran for the endzone. Even being held by his leg by a defender from the other team could not stop Schwarz from diving into the endzone scoring a touchdown. As it was an accident there was no penalty. A two-point conversion from Carter followed, and the Raiders ran out the clock, ending with a 30-18 victory.
“I was overjoyed. It was definitely a great accomplishment for the team, and I’m glad we were able to put on a show for the town,” said senior Spencer Marso.
