The Arcadia High School (AHS) Varsity Football team’s Homecoming game against Glendale High School (GHS) took place at Salter Stadium on Oct. 11 ending with a score of 41-0. The students showed their school spirit by wearing red to support the Varsity team. The stadium roared with energy from the students, which helped motivate the players to perform well. 

“I believe the turning point in this game was the very first kickoff return. All 10 guys blocked and did their job to help the receiver return the ball for a touchdown,” said middle linebacker junior Timothy Morales.

As soon as the first quarter started, it was clear that it was going to be a challenging game, with both teams equally determined to win the game. The 90-yard kickoff return by junior Aiden Reyes during the first play of the game was the major run to the start of the game. With 33.6 seconds left, AHS managed to score a touchdown on the fourth down play by number five, senior Aaron Hernandez. The scoring was 21-0 by the end of the first quarter with three touchdowns in total during the first quarter. 

“This was a major moment in the game and it helped boost our confidence,” said Morales. 

The second quarter was challenging for both teams as neither of the teams scored points. GHS defense coverage led to the pass by junior Addison “A.J” Pressnall being just out of reach for junior Billy Carr. GHS’ frustration was seen by their tackle and tough hits by senior Mark Dales from the GHS team. The second quarter was followed by a halftime performance by the color guard and Marching Band. 

During the 20-minute break, the Color Guard and Marching Band did their performance in the Rose Parade (2025); Orchesis also did their choreography to the song “La La La (Brazil 2014)” by Beyonce. Then, senior ASB President Amber Cheung and senior Student Representative to the Board Michelle Fan announced the Homecoming court and gave fun facts about all the princes and princesses. The halftime gave enough time for the players to recharge going into the third quarter. 

The third quarter looked bright for the Apaches as they managed to score two touchdowns. With A.J.’s throw, Reyes scored his second touchdown of the night making the score 27-0. The next touchdown was scored soon after, the score being 33-0. By the end of the third quarter, AHS also managed to score the point after touchdown (PAT) with an ending score of 34-0. 

“My favorite part of the game was definitely when I scored a touchdown. I have never scored one before, and most in my position never scored, so it was a cool experience. Coming back from an injury, it felt nice to do something big the first game back,” said left and defensive tackle senior Jacob Arias 

The last quarter of the game was just as successful as the previous one. The final touchdown of the game was scored with 2:08 minutes left, making the score 40-0. Arcadia placed a field goal right after their touchdown helping them to score another point, leaving the final score to be 41-0. 

“It felt good to finally be able to get a good win that can propel us for the rest of the season and hopefully get into the playoffs,” said Pressnall.