It was a close game with a final score of 48-42, and although Long Beach High School did not celebrate a Homecoming triumph on the field, the students were victorious in countless other ways. October 13 was an action-filled day and evening that included a pep rally, fundraiser and carnival in addition to the football game and outstanding halftime show. 

Fans decked in blue and white packed the stands at Veterans Field for the 7 p.m. kickoff. The band and cheerleaders provided entertainment and kept the excitement strong as the Marines took on the Uniondale Knights. 

The marching band, cheerleaders and color guard presented excellent music and choreography during halftime, and Emma Pfaff and Patrick Morris were crowned Homecoming 2017 queen and king. As a continuation of a much-enjoyed tradition, youth football players were invited to race across the goalposts before the third quarter began. 

The annual homecoming carnival, sponsored by the high school’s Student Government Organization, was held in the middle school gymnasium before and during the game. High school students, staff members and other volunteers ran an assortment of amusements for all ages and sold refreshments. This year, they conducted a fundraiser for Hurricane Harvey relief through a districtwide Battle of the Classes donation competition. 

In anticipation of that evening’s events, the annual afternoon pep rally was held at the high school’s Alumni Field and featured the introduction of teams, Class Olympic challenges, a preview of the halftime performances and other demonstrations of school spirit. Attendees cheered on their classmates and gave extra shout-outs to the seniors who were participating in their final homecoming as high school students.