Friday night football returns to the Fresno Christian home field after a two-year hiatus for the season opener, Aug. 27. Neon colors fill the student section aka, “The Nut House” with a roaring spirit for the themed night.
The Lone Pine Golden Eagles take the field after a six-hour drive and are defeated 52-6 by the FC Eagles coached by Mick Fuller. Due to poor air quality and a mercy rule, the clock was run down and ended the game early.
Starting the night off, the middle school choir, conducted by Susan Ainley, led the packed stands in the “National Anthem”.
The team has six seniors this year: Bradley Cheney, Owen McCann, Casey LaCroix, Braden Walters, Peter Kazarian, and Andrew Smith. Owen McCann has been on the football team for four years and plays offensive tight end and defensive linebacker.
“I think having the year off gave our team a good opportunity to learn new plays and techniques,” McCann says. “This team has great potential to do well this year and even in the coming years with all the promising underclassmen.”
Cheer coach Hope Villines started preparing this year’s team of cheerleaders during summer break for games and competitions. Senior Ashley Logan has been part of the cheer team for all four of her high school years,
“I am so excited to be back!” Logan says. “It is a little weird and nerve-racking, but it’s been so much fun already.”
Cheerleaders only performed once in front of their families last year due to COVID-19.
“I think we’re way more excited for the game.” Logan continues. “We are definitely way more appreciative of the games now.”
Go out and support our Eagles at the next football game held at VCA, Sept. 3.
The slideshow below includes photos from the first football game, Aug. 27.
The video below highlights the football game and the student section.