On October 11, 2024, the homecoming game will be taking place at 7 p.m.. The Gloucester County Dukes will be taking on Bethel High School Football Team at the Gloucester Dukes Stadium.
Before the game, Gloucester will be holding a homecoming tailgate. At this tailgate attendees can do things such as, get hair tinsel in their hair, get bells to cheer on the team and get spirit items to wear or use during the game. Once the tailgate is over, people can walk over to the stadium and watch the game, in hopes that the school will win.
The Gloucester High School football team and their aides have been preparing for two weeks for the homecoming game.
Junior Kasey Hoyt says that he prepares for the game by listening to music and talking to his teammates.
“The energy is higher, people are more energetic for the game,” Hoyt said.
Hoyt also shared that the way the school prepares for the game impacts him.
“I can see who all has school spirit and it motivates me for the game.”
Prior to the homecoming game, GHS sets up a spirit week, homecoming parade, and a pep rally all in preparation for the football game.
Athletic trainer Brittany Croft said that there is nothing that her student aides do differently than they would with any other game.
“For them the typical home gameday includes helping me with pregame taping and treatment (only once they’ve demonstrated to me that they’ve mastered the skills), eating team meal with the football team, and then getting the field setup with water, Gatorade, water bottles, and my other sports medicine equipment,” Croft explained.
Croft also shared that she does not do anything differently to prepare for the homecoming game.
“For me, the football game will be business as usual, just with a bigger crowd,” said Croft. “Athlete safety is always first and foremost whether it’s homecoming or a regular game”.
For anyone who is planning on attending the homecoming game, make sure to participate in the game’s theme “red out.” Wear as much red as you can to help support, motivate, and cheer on the Dukes.
