As the homecoming week kicks off at Frederick High School, the homecoming football game is a big event. This year for the homecoming game, Frederick is up against Skyline on September 13 at 7 p.m., which people have been hyped up about. Before the big game, some of the football players gave a few statements:
“The team has been super focused in practice and in the film room,” tight end Burke Eisman said. “We watched a ton of film of our opponents that week, and we’ve just been clicking on a different level.”
After a heartfelt loss at the Frederick vs. Mead football game, Frederick came back with a winning score as they blew Skyline out of the water with a score of 43-9. This game was long awaited by not just the football players but everyone that attends Frederick. Even before the game began, there was a lot of excitement and energy from not just the crowd but from the cheerleaders, marching band, and especially the football players. The stands were full of supporting fans.
Before the game, senior quarterback Gavin Ishmael said, “This would mean a ton if we won; the school and homecoming is one of the biggest nights; we have the biggest crowd here, we have the biggest spirits and a rowdy crowd, and not to mention the parents watching. If we won, it would be the best feeling ever.”
In the first quarter of the game, Frederick took an astounding lead against Skyline High School, entering this quarter with Frederick in the lead by 7-0. Only five minutes into the game, there was a 50-yard touchdown pass from Gavin Ishmael to Burke Eisman which brought Frederick in the lead and prevented Skyline from scoring.
“I have a ton of great memories of homecoming; it’s always a good time. Last year I got my first varsity TD, and it was a one-hanged sixty-five yard TD,” said Eisman.
In the second quarter, Frederick kept their score going, adding twenty-eight points to their score and allowing Skyline to field goal three points. Also in the second quarter, Gavin Ishmael made a one-yard touchdown at nine minutes and ten seconds. There was also a 19-yard line field goal by Skyline.
“Yeah, I have fond memories of homecoming week. I remember this week we always get excited for the game, and I remember two years ago and even last year the feeling of you playing and giving it your all, and you get to go to the dance as well,” said Ishmael.
At the beginning of halftime, the homecoming royalty of the 24-25 school year was announced. Following the announcement was the band’s amazing performance called “Macabre.” This song made the crowd very enthusiastic, especially because the energy coming from this song was electric. When the marching band finished up, it was really time for the cheerleaders to shine. The cheerleaders cheered on the football team with their enthusiastic performance with a remix of the song “Good for You” by Olivia Rodrigo. This halftime show was a truly remarkable performance, along with Frederick leading.
“I balance my homecoming events and football by focusing on what’s most important first. Right now that’s keeping my grades up and winning this game,” Eisman said.
As Frederick continued to rock Skyline High School with bringing in additional touchdowns, Frederick allowed Skyline to get one touchdown in this quarter, but this mistake by Frederick would not be made for the rest of the game. They would make sure it never happened that night against Skyline ever again.
“This would mean a lot to my school and me. The homecoming game really sets the tone for the entire weekend, in my opinion. It would be awesome if we won,” Eisman said.
In the final quarter, the Frederick defense kept Skyline from scoring again with a score of 43-9, bringing in the final win for Frederick. During the final quarter, there was a 22-yard touchdown pass from quarterback Preston Kissinger to tight end Burke Eisman at seven minutes and seventeen seconds.
“This game went amazing,” Ishmael said afterward. “I’m very happy about how I played, but I’m also happy about how my brothers played as well; they were able to go out there and get a W, and without them, without my line, I don’t do anything, and without my receivers, I can’t throw a ball. It’s not just me out there–it’s the team, and I’d rather play with them and my brothers,” said Ishmael.
This homecoming game will be one to remember with not only a scoring victory from Frederick but also how high Frederick spirit was while cheering on our football team. This was truly one of the best Frederick football games to come yet.
