Every year, Hillcrest High School students go into the gym every year thinking “This is the year we win.” And every year the staff walk out with victory. This Friday, at the annual Student vs. Staff game. Despite the loud roars, and plenty of energy, the final score ended up at 30-21, with the staff once again keeping the title of “undefeated”.
From the moment the game started everyone was buzzing. The cheer team took their usual stance while the alumni cheerleading squad, made up of former Hillcrest cheerleaders now teachers, proudly supported the staff’s side.The friendly rivalry between the two cheer teams added an extra dose of excitement as each side tried to out cheer the other.
The students came in very confident this year, with it also being stated by some participants. “We got this in the bag this year” stated Jayden Fragoso. The crowd was worried we would lose like every other year. For a while, it looked like the breakthrough might actually happen. The score gap stayed somewhat closeable, and everyone was on the edge of their seats.
Then halftime arrived, and that’s when the energy took a slightly awkward turn.
The cheer team performed a “Pep is the Key” cheer, hoping to rally the crowd up before the second half. But only a handful of students joined in, while most seemed unsure whether to laugh, cheer with them, or just sit there, which is what most did. “That was so embarrassing,” “Never again” stated some of the cheerleaders.
On the other hand the dance team came out strong and confident, doing their dance with the staff members bringing excitement and cheers from the crowd all around. Each staff member doing their separate dances with each student and giving some very exciting moves to the crowd. By the end of the dance the crowd was stirring for the game to start again!
By the second half of the game it took a turn. The students started to catch up in score leaving the crowd with hope of winning, but unfortunately it still took a familiar turn. The staff team, fueled by pride, teamwork, and experience slowly but surely stayed ahead. Even as the students fought and tried their best to close the gap, missed opportunities, rushed shots, and tired legs made the difference. By the final buzzer, the score read 30-21, sealing yet another staff victory.
Even though the streak continues, the spirits remain high. A maybe, with a little more pep, and a more synchronized halftime cheer — maybe next year will be the year. With a little extra practice and polishing, they should be fired up and ready to take the crown next year!
