FNL: Friday Night Lights at Riverbend
Every Friday night, students and families come together at the Riverbend stadium to support our football team. It's a night filled with fun, hanging out with friends, savoring good food, and soaking up the atmosphere.
As soon as the lights come on and the bleachers start to fill, the excitement begins to rush.
The student section is loud and full of energy, dressed up following the theme, whether it's blackout, USA, white out, etc. They're always ready to cheer from the first play to the last.
Senior Aubree Bullock, one of the student section leaders, believes the energy from the stands makes a tangible impact on the team.
"I think the more energy that the student section has, the more the football team will succeed. Not just in their gameplay, but in reaching their goals," Bullock said. "Their goal this year is to get a ring. If you have the energy off the field, you'll have it on the field too."
For Bullock and her peers, it's more than just cheering for them. It's about building spirit and connection. "I think if we didn't have a student section, it really wouldn't be as fun and exciting," Bullock said.
Other students agree that the energy and excitement are significant parts of Friday Nights. "I really like the energy all around, I'm always having fun with my friends," said Sophomore Isabella Almonte. "It's also fun to see the cheerleaders do their tricks."
Freshman Julian Kachmar said, "It's always good to see my guys playing on the field. I like to support them."
Even for students who aren't into football, Friday Night Lights offers an excellent opportunity to socialize. "I mainly go just to hang out with my friends," said Mackenzie Adjapong. "I see a lot of my friends from other schools as well, so it's good to see them too."
Some students love getting involved with the themes and the chants, while others enjoy cheering and watching the game. No matter the reason, the stands are always packed and so hyped.
The themes are a favorite for many. Whether it's being decked out in red, white, and blue for the USA theme or dressing in all white for the whiteout, students go all out.
Apart from the student section, the band also plays a huge role in keeping the energy alive. Between quarters and halftime, the band knows how to set the tone and get the crowd excited.
Sophomore Micah Lumpkin, who plays in the band, shared how he feels about performing for FNL, "I think it brings the energy," Lumpkin said. "It keeps things from being boring or just awkward silence between plays."
Lumpkin has been playing his instrument for four years now. He believes the band's presence helps create a more exciting and connected atmosphere for both the student section and the players on the field.
When asked if the football games would be different without the band, Lumpkin said, "It would be slightly less fun and different."
Despite the fast pace and pressure of game nights, the band hasn't experienced any major mishaps during performances yet, a sign of the band's focus and dedication on and off the field.
Bullock expressed her desire to expand the student section, with the potential goal of increasing underclassmen involvement.
"We need to get the underclassmen more involved. You've got to start them young so they're ready to lead when they're seniors. The more energy you bring, the more fun Friday Night Lights is."
Bullock's advice for underclassmen is not to hold back: "Don't be afraid. I bring a megaphone to every game. If you're embarrassed, this isn't the place for you. You've only got one high school experience, live it."
With more games still left in the season, students are already planning for upcoming themes and the rivalry games between Colonial Forge and North Stafford.
Now's the time to get involved, show up, cheer on the teams, be loud, and have fun. Keep the spirit going and make the rest of the season unforgettable.
