WHS Tigers show their pride at Homecoming

Wasco High School held its 2023 Homecoming with a week-long lineup of activities in preparation for the big football game against Golden Valley of Bakersfield.

The theme was Tigers Assemble (Superheroes). Each day leading up to the game were lunchtime activities and games. There was also a dress-up day each day. The students earned class spirit points based on which class had the most students dress up.

"So it gets competitive between the classes. Each class has the week to build their class float. The freshman theme was the Incredibles, the sophomore theme was Black Panther, the junior theme was Guardians of the Galaxy and the senior theme was Spider-man," Activities Coordinator Hailey Coyle said.

The floats were presented to the student body at the Homecoming rally that took place on Palm Avenue. First place went to the freshman class, second to the juniors, third to the seniors and fourth to the sophomores.

For the spirited rally, first place went to the juniors, second to the freshmen, third to the seniors and fourth to the sophomores.

Homecoming royalty included King Aiden Litchfield and Queen Amaia Marquez.

Marquez said, "I'm excited about it and so happy they chose me for the title. It's a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, and I will cherish it forever."

Litchfield said winning king would be the highlight of his high school experience. "It is a privilege that my fellow peers selected me, and I will continue to be a proud Tiger."

For staff recognition, Ms. Tiger went to Mrs. Amanda Rodriguez, an English teacher, and Mr. Tiger to Mr. Luis Acosta, a health teacher.

Coyle said. "Homecoming is always a fun time of year. It is a time to celebrate Wasco High and be a part of the Tiger pride-filled community. It's always a great day to be a Tiger!"

"The classes also come together to work hard as a team to accomplish their vision for their floats, skits and encourage others to get involved. We had many students participating in dress-up days and float building after school.

"It is a fun and safe environment for our students to come, hang out with their peers, and have a good time. These are memories they will look back on after they graduate from Wasco High."

"I feel very proud of my class for putting in effort and contributing to everything we did the whole week," said freshman class officer Savannah Sharp about winning first place in the float competition.

She said the whole school came together to show their Tiger pride. "It's an honor to be a part of the Wasco High community and how we all just bond and support each other."

The football game against the Golden Valley Bulldogs topped off the week-long homecoming activities, though the Tigers came up short.

The Wasco Tigers football team couldn't overcome a tough Golden Valley offense as they allowed the Bulldogs to take control of the game in the third quarter, falling to the Bulldogs, 28-16.

The jubilant festivities couldn't get the Tigers over the hump and take the lead in the game. The Tigers used a powerful running game in the first half to keep the game close, only down 7-6 at halftime.

With quarterback David Manzo unable to connect on any significant passes for long yardage, running backs Michael Dominguez and Noah Lopez gained some big yardage in the half, but the Tigers let a couple of key opportunities slip away, coming away with no points to show for the drives.

In the third quarter, Golden Valley quarterback had a lot of help in the running game, with Nate Abbott gaining 161 yards on the ground, and Dominick Thompson added 119 yards, keeping the Tigers' defense on the field for a big part of the game.

Eventually, those drives were turning into scores as Golden Valley converted opportunities into points, which eluded the Tigers' offense. Several key opportunities for the Tigers ended with stalled drives, either by a big stop by the Bulldog defense or a crucial penalty by the Tigers' offense, ending the scoring threat.

The Tigers finally succumbed to the Bulldogs by a score of 28-16, dropping Wasco's season record to 2-3. The Tigers will try to get back on the winning track on Friday night when they will

take on the Kennedy Thunderbirds in Delano. This game will go a long way in determining who is in control of the SSL.