As the sun dips below the horizon and the student section comes alive with excitement, there’s a noticeable energy that transforms Helix Charter High School’s football field into a focal point for school spirit, community bonds, and intense competition. For some, Friday night football games are seen as boring, something that simply happens. But, for others, these games are a chance to experience the traditions and shared experiences that make these evenings truly special and something to remember long after you get your diploma.
As Helix Charter High School opened the season with its first two home games—against El Camino High School and St. Francis High School—the team faced challenging losses, setting the stage for a season of resilience and determination. But football games at Helix Charter High School are more than just opportunities to win a game; they’re places where bonds are strengthened, and new friendships are forged. After surveying numerous Helix students, I found that most Helix students attend home games regularly, most primarily attending varsity games but some supporting junior varsity as well.
Out of these students, 72% have made new friendships or connections simply through attending a game. 33% of students find meeting new people to be one of the most memorable parts of the game, whilst 90% of students’ main motivation for attending the games is seeing their friends. Stephanie Drawhorn shared, “They allow you to make new friends and new experiences. You also feel pride and excitement when your team is doing well/winning, which can be fun.” Sydney Robledo added to this feeling, stating, “I get to be with my friends and meet people around me who I may not have met if I hadn’t gone to the game.” This sentiment is echoed by many who find that the atmosphere of the games creates a special bond.
However, it’s not just the things that happen during the game that leave lasting impacts. 33% of students note that a large motivation to attend games is rooted in plans before/afterward. Mia Green, a junior at Helix, remembers these moments vividly. When asked if there was a specific football game memory that stood out to her, she stated “My freshman year, my brother would take me to all the games, and we would go out to eat with his friends after every game. [It was] super fun.” Another student stated that “I got to get ice cream with my friends after a game,” and a third that her favorite memory was “hanging out with friends and sleepovers after.”
Additionally, each game’s theme at Helix is a celebration in itself, transforming the football field into a vibrant showcase of creativity and school pride. From August 23rd’s Love Island theme of “Welcome to the Villa,” to the patriotic theme of “USA,” on August 30th, these themes bring an extra layer of fun and festivity. The survey shows that 66.7% of students embrace these themes, often going all out with costumes and accessories. When looking into the stands you’ll see all kinds of spirit wear, from tutus and bandanas to reflective vests and face paint. Sophia Majors, A sophomore at Helix, noted “I always dress up for the themes. Me and my friends normally meet up at one of our houses before and get ready together. It’s fun to do each other’s face paint and pick out outfits.”
Regardless of the numbers on the scoreboard, Helix’s football games have a profound impact on school spirit. They serve as a focal point for school pride, drawing students, faculty, and families together in a shared celebration of Helix’s identity. “They bring school spirit and unity with the community,” said Kylie Lintott. Savannah Schumacher added, “I think they are a great opportunity for the school to come together as one and support our team and fellow classmates.” According to the aforementioned survey, 94% of students believe that the games significantly boost school spirit and morale and bring the community together, with another 94% saying that they would recommend going to the games to an incoming freshman. This collective enthusiasm is what makes each game a key part of the Helix experience, fostering a vibrant school community.
As football season continues to progress, we can only hope that they will continue to bring our student body together through unforgettable moments. Whether through the shared excitement, creative themes, or the simple joy of being part of something bigger, these Friday Night Lights shine brightly, illuminating what it means to be a part of Helix.
