The highly anticipated homecoming football game is set to take place on Oct. 21 against the Churchill Bulldogs. The game is an event anticipated throughout the season as it is accompanied by many traditions like the pep rally and the homecoming court announcements.

Of course, the game on the field is the main event. Churchill has a record of 4-2 this year. They have played a similar schedule to RM, beating similar opponents such as Whitman and BCC. Last year when the teams played, Churchill defeated RM 34-14. This should be a competitive game, with both teams nearing the end of their season, and playoffs coming up soon. 

Homecoming court announcements are just one of the unique aspects of the homecoming game. The homecoming royalty is announced before the game starts and there is a special ceremony honoring everyone who was on homecoming court and eventually announcing the winners. The royalty will be named during halftime this year.

Another unique part of the football game is the theme.  The theme is the same as always-the all-out gold rush-where everyone wears their gold RM pride for the game. SGA spirit coordinator Sam Navarro said, “The Gold Rush for homecoming is something that many students can participate in because most people own gold. It will be really cool to see everyone in one color.” The popular gold rush shirts can be found in the school’s spirit shack, which is open every Thursday during lunch and at football games. 

The homecoming game is all about the spirit. It all starts with the pep rally during school, and that spirit builds up into the game. During the pep rally, the captains of the teams get shoutouts and the four grade levels participate in cheers and games.  

One of the most important parts of the RM fanbase is the student section. Every week, many students come out to watch the football team, band and poms perform. “We always feed off the crowd, the band, the poms, the cheerleaders, we enjoy a good crowd,” Head Coach Randy Thompson said. 

Thompson encourages the fans to stay loud and engaged throughout the game as they help to throw off the other team, making it harder for them to communicate on offense and defense. For the football team, getting the chance to play for the school is something they take pride in. “What we look forward to is playing in front of our peers and our community, giving them something to be excited about,” Thompson said. 

 The homecoming game is usually one of the more crowded games, due to the hype and build-up. To further boost spirit, the game includes special performances from the poms team and marching band. “My favorite part of the game is how everyone’s extra spirited and the halftime show is always good,” sophomore Olivia Sosin said.