COVID-19 has changed a lot, and Homecoming week was just one of those things. With allowed gym capacity not nearly high enough to accommodate the typical Homecoming Pep Rally crowd, it was time to head back to the football field, this time for a community pep rally. Bison fans spent their Wednesday evening cheering on the football team and spirit groups, meeting the Homecoming court and voting for the winning class in a create-a-dress contest.

Principal John Clements had a fun night prepared for the crowd and the students. The varsity cheerleaders started it off and were followed by the junior high cheer squad.

“Getting to be a part of such a big night was so fun to me,” sophomore Mia Barrett said. “Homecoming is one of my favorite parts of the year and being a cheerleader adds to the fun.”

The Homecoming Court along with King and Queen candidates were introduced to the crowd.

“It was such a privilege to be duchess for our class as a homecoming candidate, ” freshman Emma Cocking said. “I never thought in a million years I would be the one that got picked to be the representative of our class.”

Next up were the Belles performing a military routine.

“Military is a traditional dance that we do every homecoming,” Captain Kayla Saenz said. “It is my personal favorite out of all the dances we do. I love cleaning this dance, and once we get it cleaned we are all so sharp and the slaps sound amazing.”

Mr. Clements had a game up his sleeve for a spirit stick. All the class officers picked one guy from their grade to dress up in a paper gown and “walk the mile.”

“Our class was so hype, and they really got into it,” sophomore Raylie Ezell said. “We dressed up Zane Johnson, and he really outdid himself.”

Everyone in the crowd had signs that let them vote for their favorites. The seniors and sophomores ended up tying and both earning a spirit stick.

“Junior Vasquez really outdid himself,” senior Katy Webb said. “He shook his butt and really showed out that paper costume. It paid off with a spirit stick for the win.”

Clements’ now-familiar “We believe in you” chant and the school song finished off the evening.

“I really try to make everyone hype on and off the field and I think I’ve done a good job at it,” sophomore Lane Freeman said. “It was a successful night full of spirit and lots of cheering.”