Football games are the most awaited part of the back-to-school season and set the tone for the rest of the year. The creative themes, loud music, and exciting halftime performances bring out everyone’s school spirit. So far, the Knights have played against St. Charles, Evanston, O’Fallon, Lincoln-Way West, and Sandburg and they have an outstanding record of 4-1. With a great season thus far, all the fans look forward to supporting their team every game.
Student leaders at Central come up with different themes for each game which sparks the creativity of all the fans and brings the student section together. Some themes have been camo, red out, jerseys, and USA. When everyone participates by wearing original outfits that correspond with the theme, it shows the enthusiasm that everyone has for the game. It also demonstrates how football games bring people together in the way that every Friday night everyone dresses according to the theme to cheer on and support their team.
Along with the lively student section, the Rhythm Knights, band, and cheer team also display their school spirit by engaging the crowd and cheering on the Knights. Throughout the summer, halftime performances are perfected to hype up the crowd for the second half of the game. The Rhythm Knights and cheerleaders put together captivating routines to perform to show their spirit for their school and team. Additionally, the band gets the crowd loud and excited with their music. These performers help keep the energy up for the whole game while also encouraging the team.
The student section during Friday Night Lights makes the football games all that they are hyped up to be. Everyone comes dressed up according to the theme and cheers the Knights on, regardless of if they’re winning or losing. Students from all grade levels participate in chants and motivate the players before each kickoff by doing spirit fingers. Without the student section’s school spirit, football games would not be engaging nor exhilarating. Senior, Jimmy Herget, says, “The energy in the air is something special, and the feeling like the whole school is behind you is unmatched. I have never experienced something as awesome as scoring the game tying touchdown late in the 4th quarter against West.”
