[ot-caption title=”The PC Varsity squad prepared to take the field against La Salle on Friday night. (via Camila Piza)”]

Much to the joy of PC faithful who remember a painful loss last year at homecoming, the Varsity Football team won this year’s encounter this past Friday on October 23rd.  In fact, the Panthers thrashed the La Salle Royal Lions by a whopping 30 points, winning by a final score of 44-14.  Within the first couple of minutes, it was evident that Pine Crest would dominate the game.  PC started out fast with junior quarterback, Jordan Schulefand, scoring the game’s first points on a long, option run.  The defense would continue the effort by blanketing the Lions’ offense throughout the early goings.  Students and alumni could be heard screaming themselves hoarse as the green and white piled the points on.  The football players gave their best, and they had huge support behind them in the stands.  Given that Homecoming is one of the most exciting weeks of the year, many students, parents, and alumni came, decked out in green and white to support their football team and find out the winner of the coveted Spirit Stick. Even lower and middle school students from both campuses made their way out to catch the game.  Geometry teacher, Mr. Spitzig even remarked, “We might need bigger bleachers,” as he referred to the outstanding support.

By halftime, the Panthers had built a commanding 34-7 lead, and the Homecoming Court was making its way onto the field. Lynsey Garfinkel was crowned Homecoming Queen and Colby Lathrop would be her King.  The Spirit Stick, designed by a team of sophomores, would be claimed by the Senior Class who celebrated as they stormed the field, asserting their dominance and enthusiasm.  Second place went to the sophomores, third to the juniors, and last to the freshmen. Regardless of the final standings, this year’s Homecoming week was filled with spirit and genuine excitement by all.  Pine Crest trainer Ivan Delgado said about the great turnout, “It’s good to see the spirit. We are a big Pine Crest family.”

The second half would be more of the same for the Panthers.  All three phases of the game were soundly won by Pine Crest.  Offensively, Schulefand connected with Senior wide-receiver David Tescher for a long touchdown.  Senior captains Robert Pearl and Noah Dearman each recorded interceptions, and even junior kicker Leo Malhado got in on the action with a 46-yard field goal, the longest of the season.  As the final buzzer sounded, Pine Crest had claimed victory, and the Panther faithful rejoiced on the field.

All in all, the Homecoming game and the entire week in general was a massive success.   Mr. Podkoscielny, history teacher and swim coach, summed it all up in a few words: “The spirit is high and so is the score for Pine Crest.”