Friday Night Lights: A Breakdown of Palmetto’s Homecoming Game
Miami Palmetto Senior High’s 2021 Homecoming Game at Tropical Park.
October 20, 2021
On Friday, Oct. 15, the Miami Palmetto Senior High Panthers played against the Southridge Spartans at Tropical Park Stadium for their annual Friday Night Lights homecoming game. The Panthers had a very successful football season with five wins and one loss leading up to this event.
Pregame festivities began at 5:30 p.m. with the Palmetto tailgate party. Cars played music while people shared food and drinks in preparation for the game. Adorned with blue and white face paint and clothes, Palmetto students showed their school spirit and support for the team.
“It was amazing to see all the people who came out before the game,” Palmetto sophomore and sports enthusiast Sydney Oren said. “The tailgate is always so much fun because everyone shows up dressed in blue and painted all over. It’s one of those high school experiences you’ll always remember.”
The game kicked off at 7:30 p.m. with a near immediate lead for the Panthers, who scored two touchdowns during the first quarter. The bleachers filled to the brim with chanting fans and students waving Palmetto signs and flags.
“Since it was the homecoming game and more people were there than most of the other games, I think it encouraged the team a lot,” Oren said. “It put them off to a great start and helped them score a touchdown.”
During the second quarter, the Panthers scored another two touchdowns but missed the field goal, leaving them at 27-0 at the start of halftime.
At halftime, the marching band and Chatonettes performed for the crowd and the 2021 homecoming court was announced. Janese Fayson received the crown of homecoming queen, and Danny Sevilla received the crown of homecoming king.
During the third quarter, the Panthers picked up where they left off and scored another touchdown. Kicker Hanna Adams scored an extra point at the start of the fourth quarter and the team managed another touchdown before the game ended.
The final score was 41-0, resulting in another victory for the Panthers. The game secured their title as the Miami-Dade County High School Football District Champions.
