On October 3rd, 2025, Kaiser’s stadium was filled with more excitement than ever before. One of the most anticipated events of the year, the 2025 Homecoming football game was held. The stands overflowed with students, proud parents, and alumni who were dressed from head to toe in blue and gold. The game brought the entire community together for a night that showcases school pride and spirit more than ever. From the crowds of fans waving pom-poms in the Cougar Cage, to the marching band’s familiar fight songs, the anticipation for this game was through the roof. Although the Cougars ultimately lost in a close game against Radford, the spirit of the night was an overall win for Kaiser.
More Than A Score
The Kaiser Cougars lost the game to Radford High School 28-21, however the evening was about more than the final score. This was a celebration of school pride, unity, and all the spirit that defines our community at Kaiser High School.
Spirit Week Sets the Stage
The energy started long before the kickoff. Spirit week had everyone dressing up for themed dress up days that showed off class spirit in every hallway. By the time Friday Night arrived, the anticipation was exhilarating.
First Homecoming on the Field
For many students, especially freshmen, it was their first taste of what Homecoming at Kaiser truly feels like. Freshman football player Ivan O’Malley said it was a night he’ll never forget. “Playing in my first Homecoming football game felt awesome because everyone from my school was there and supporting us,” Ivan said.
Although the Cougars didn’t win, Ivan said the team stayed strong until the end. “I was proud that we never gave up and we still used teamwork throughout the whole game,” he said. For him, being part of the football team means belonging to something bigger. “It’s like being a part of a whole other family and everyone is very supportive,” he added.
Ivan said the experience taught him a lot about playing at the high school level. “I learned how much some people want to win and how some people don’t really care,” he reflected. “It makes me want to be one of the people who gives my all every time.”
Winning From the Sidelines
While the players gave everything on the field, the student section was just as full of enthusiasm. Carys Price, a Kaiser freshman attended the Homecoming game and stated that the energy in the stands was intense from start to finish. “The pressure was on,” she said. “The game was so close, no one could take their eyes off the field.”
Even though the Cougars came up short, Carys said the crowd never stopped cheering. “All the students were rooting for Kaiser,” she said. “Even though it was a close game, the energy was there.”
Halftime Highlights and Student Spirit
Another freshman, Viola Moore, agreed that the energy in the crowd was unforgettable, and a little overwhelming. “There were a lot of people yelling from both sides of the stadium,” Moore said. “The stands were very crowded, especially in the student section. It was very overwhelming.”
Still, she said that the game was an amazing experience. “The halftime show stood out to me because I got to watch the Homecoming court dance, and I loved the cheerleaders stunting,” Viola said.
Both Viola and Carys said that even after the final whistle, Kaiser pride remained strong. “There was a lot of cheering and it was a very close game,” Viola said. “If I were to describe the night, I’d definitely say it was exciting,” she added. Carys chose the word “spirited” when asked to sum up the night in one word. “Everyone was dressed up the whole week, going all out, and you could see everyone’s spirit during the Homecoming games,” she said.
A Celebration of What it Means to be a Cougar
The scoreboard may not have shown a win, but for students, it was clear that Kaiser’s Homecoming was about much more than football, but about celebrating what it means to be a Cougar.
