Mustangs Varsity Football team head to the sidelines Friday, Aug. 30, to prepare for their home opening game. The players were in the zone, aiming for a win against Columbia Hickman High School to set the tone for the ‘24-‘25 season.

During the first game of the football season, students raise a football banner across an entire section. The event was the beginning of a new tradition to be continued at future home football games.

Nolan Kuchnicki, linebacker, rallies his team in a huddle. As a senior and a leader on the team, he encouraged the Mustangs to play their best and to take home a win.

As the national anthem plays, the Mustangs hold their helmets by their sides and their right hand at their hearts. Malik Johnson, senior, lowered his gaze in these moments before the game.

The cheerleaders, along with their elementary-age counterparts, excite the crowd for the game with their music and moves.

Ayden Lemons, sophomore, faces off against a Hickman player at the beginning of a play. In the wide receiver position, Lemons is ready to catch a pass from the quarterback.

The Mustang’s head coach, Michael Stewart, squats on the sidelines to get the best view of the game. Stewart prepared to give feedback to his team.

During a break in the game, Nick Vaccaro, senior, waves the football team’s flag before the crowd. The student sections got loud for the Mustangs, excited at the prospect of a home game win. The Stang Gang rely on Vaccaro to hype up the student section late in the game.

Late into the game, Luis Miranda, sophomore, and his teammate James McConico, sophomore, watch the play under the bright stadium lights. The score was tight in that moment.

Yura Bredy, sophomore, and his team watch the game from the sidelines getting ready for good news. Soon, the team cheered for a Mustang touchdown, which brought the team further ahead of Columbia Hickman.

Mystique members shake their pom-poms in celebration of a win at the Mustangs varsity football home opener game. Despite rain during the game, the Mustangs won 31-21 and will next play the Eureka Wildcats Friday, Sept, 6, at Eureka.