By Adam Hawthorne, Staff Writer
River Hill’s first game of the season kicked off Friday night, marking the return of one of the most exciting and long-awaited traditions at our school. For the next few months, the stadium will be packed on Friday nights for home football games. These games are more than just about football; they are about community. From cheering on the team to hanging out with friends, these Friday nights create an atmosphere that defines the fall season at River Hill.
On opening night, the stands were filled well before kickoff. The USA theme of the night’s game had students showing up decked out head to toe in red, white, and blue. The crowd was loud from the start, bringing an energy that could be felt on both sides of the field. River Hill Cheer and Poms delivered spirited performances throughout the night, keeping the student section excited and fueling the momentum from the stands.
The Hawks entered the season after months of intense preparation. Since the summer, the team has been working hard to condition, run drills and build chemistry. “Over the off-season, we have grown a lot as a team. [Working on team chemistry] has strengthened our bond and overall made us better. This year’s team put in a lot of extra work outside of practice. We learned from last year, and we are ready to get back to winning,” said junior and quarterback Landen Aroajo.
Their hard work showed early in the matchup against Arundel High School, the defending 3A state champions. River Hill struck first with an opening touchdown, sending the student section into elated cheers. Arundel, however, quickly responded with a touchdown of their own. The back-and-forth continued until halftime, when the score was tied, the unknown outcome of the game leaving tension in the air.
Coming out of the break, Arundel began to take control. The Wildcats put together a dominant third quarter, pulling ahead with strong offensive plays that put River Hill on its heels. Despite another touchdown from the Hawks, momentum slipped away, and the game ended with a 28–49 loss. “I really thought we had a good chance of winning that game,” said junior Ethan Guo. “But regardless it was fun to cheer for our team til the end and it was a great first game of the season.”
The night wasn’t just about football, however. Other student groups contributed to the experience as well. The marching band performed a halftime show that earned loud applause from the stands, and both the cheer and dance teams kept spirits high throughout the night. Together, these groups showed how much effort goes into making Friday night games a memorable event for everyone.
Looking forward, fans can expect more big games, including the highly anticipated homecoming matchup against Wilde Lake on October 10th. While the season opener didn’t go in the Hawks’ favor, the team’s hard work, combined with the unwavering support from students, staff and community, sets the stage for an exciting season ahead.