On Friday September 8^th, our Boys in Blue brought home a win as they faced the North Kansas City Hornets in our backyard. With our home turf under the team’s toes, the boys led us into halftime with a 28-19 lead. Tension was high into the second half as Oak Park wanted a victory to break our losing streak.

The Hornets and Northmen faced each other for the 50^th time leading to both schools showing up with their most pride. Wearing their most elaborate school spirit. On the bleachers, there were students with flags, Oak Park painted on their chest, and chants being yelled.

“It felt so good to support the team. Doing all the chants are always fun. It’s nice to win, it makes you want to come to another game,” junior Lauren Delacruz said after the OP win.

“Even if I was distracted through some of the game, it was super hype to be a part of the student section,” junior Caitlin Wolfe said.

Prior to the game, the senior football members were recognized for their dedication to both the sport and their school.

Players Gavin Hausmann, Kevin Orange Jr., Colton Tisthammer, and Rhyan Crumpler were named Players of the Game for their tremendous help in the 49-39 victory. Following the game, all the fans lined up to take pictures on the field for the celebratory picture that landed on most of their social media.  The team then celebrated on the sidelines as the Marching Northmen closed the game.

“It was great. Watching the team get their first win in 19 games,” sophomore player Colton Balkey said. Spirits were high leaving the game, there wasn’t an Oak Park fan that didn’t leave beaming.