A staple of every high school football game is the loud and energetic student section. At South Salem High School, the student section never disappoints. Students gather together to cheer on the football team while being decked out in all sorts of themed attire. From freshmen to seniors, everybody finds a way to show their support.
Freshmen
With the new school year starting comes a brand new class of students, many of which have never been to a high school football game before. Maddox Cornelson ‘29 experienced his first high school football game earlier this season.
“During big games, it definitely gets intense. I hear cheering from not only our side but the team we are playing too. No matter if we are losing, everyone is loud,” Cornelson said.
Sophomore
What appeals to so many students about football games is not only the game itself, but also creating lasting memories with others. Keira Flores ‘28 has been enjoying games since her freshman year, making exciting memories from both then and now.
“One of my favorite memories from the first home game this year is getting Kona Ice with my sister. Last year, I reunited with some of my old friends from middle school. The best part was going onto the field and taking pictures with them,” Flores said.
Junior
A big part of the student section is trying to honor the seniority of the students. Traditionally, in most student sections, freshmen sit up at the top, followed by sophomores in front of them. Juniors sit near the front, reserving the front few rows for the seniors.
At South, this traditional way of sitting is loosely implemented. The student section tries to follow it, however, it ends up being more of a first-come, first-serve deal. Xyla Phillips ‘27 is strongly against the non-strict enforcement.
“We need to be more strict about who sits where. I sometimes see freshmen trying to get in the front few rows, and I do not think that is fair. When I was a freshman, I remember sitting up top because I knew my place. As a junior now, it can sometimes be hard to find a spot, and it frustrates me and my friends to see underclassmen in the front couple rows,” Phillips said.
Senior
Many students agree that the two most important roles in the student section are the cheerleaders and the seniors. Bee Watkins ‘26 is an early graduate who cheers for the JV2 team as well.
“I am so grateful to be able to experience my final year in high school cheering with an amazing team. I am also grateful to be able to experience Fridays in the student section. Those both will be what I am going to miss about high school.” Watkins ‘26 said.
This year has been filled with excitement for any student who has attended a game. Whether this year is a closing chapter to loyal seniors or an introduction to new freshmen, everyone is sure to have something memorable to take from the unique experiences this season.
