Kennedy Cougars victory at senior game

High school celebrates 50th anniversary homecoming

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A chorus of cheers erupted as Kennedy senior Dan Gavigan scored the first touchdown. Last Saturday, the Kennedy Cougars faced off against the Jericho Jayhawks at a celebration of homecoming, the school’s seniors and its 50th anniversary.

“I just want to enjoy every moment we have,” said senior and running back Dom Brobco before the game commenced. He went on to say that his team is hoping to progress to the ninth week of the season. What mattered most to him, however, was taking in what could be his last game with the kids he’s been playing football with since elementary school. Brobco plans to continue playing in college and is looking at several Division 2 and 3 Universities in the tri-state area.

To show support for their team and school, Kennedy’s varsity cheerleading team, kick line and pep band performed between points and at half time. Throughout the day various clubs and organizations showcased their talents at booths around the Kennedy campus.

“Our original homecoming was rescheduled because of the weather,” said senior and co-president of Kennedy’s art club Julia Zeltmann as members of her club face-painted and chalked on the parking lot with fellow students. “But this is the perfect autumn day for this.”

Before the game, varsity seniors were escorted onto the field by members of their family and honored in front of their community. “This is a meaningful day for us,” said Ally Deane, mother of Kennedy starting quaterback Alec Deane. “For some of these students it’s their last time playing football competitively.”

The Cougars showed that they wanted to win and took the Jayhawks to half time without letting them get off a single point. Coach Tom Durnin attributed this to the amount of seniors dedicated as compared to previous years. The team never lost its momentum after Deane’s throws put them in the lead from the start of the game. “When I was a sophomore our coaches told us we needed a change in the team culture,” Deane said.

He explained that this meant committing to play their hardest and fighting to get to the playoffs. This year that might be a possibility as the final score was 34 to 12. “It shows that change in culture,” Deane said.