As the homecoming court waited anxiously below Peabody Stadium, Dons football prepared to take on Calabasas High School in an electrifying match up that proved to be back and forth all night. With their playoff hopes riding on a victory, the pressure had never been so high. The squad came out strong, with Bode Fauskee scoring a touchdown in the first minute of the game. The Coyotes immediately answered as they marched down the field to score on their opening drive. After a three and out for the Dons, Calabasas brought the score to 7-14 with a trick play that left the SB defense in shock. As the second quarter began, the Dons were right back up as Kai Mault raced into the endzone to tie it back up. Calabasas answered once again with a successful drive ending in a touchdown on 4th and goal halfway through the second quarter. The Dons regained possession and although they had success moving the ball down field, the drive was cut short by an interception as time ran out. SBHS went into halftime down one score and determined to win the fight. 

As the team ran back into the locker room, the homecoming court emerged, eager to see who would win this year’s title. Representing the boys we had Basketball Team Captains Carter Battle and Luke Zuffelato, MAD student Jack Golgowski and Football Team Captains Tomas Gil and Kai Mault. On the girls side the nominees were ASB President Lexi Horton, Dance Team Captain Kiyomi Klonowski, Senior Class President Jazmyn Dennis, Cheer Team Captain Mariah Ramos and soccer player Emma Limon. Each member of the court was given a box, the winners containing a balloon. The crowd watched in anticipation as the court opened their boxes, revealing Kiyomi Klonowski and Thomas Gil as the 2024 homecoming royalty. “I was so excited to be chosen and I’m so grateful to all my classmates and family who came to support!”said Klonowski when asked about her special moment. Gil agreed, saying “It was cool, I’m just glad [the Dons] got the win tonight” 

As the court festivities came to a close, the Dons ran out rejuvenated and ready to finish what they started. With three turnovers in the second half, the SB defense proved to be the key to the game. The first came on the opening drive of the half as the Coyotes managed to make it down to the seven yard line before Malachai Johnston stripped the ball which led to a fumble recovery. Unfortunately, the Dons offense was unable to capitalize on this turnover and both teams had a series of null drives as the third quarter came to a close. As the final quarter began, the Coyotes were looking to score but pressure from the Dons line forced their quarterback to throw into tight coverage, resulting in a pick-six for Fauskee, tying up the game 21-21. After another empty drive for Calabasas, the SB offense took over and found themselves driving steadily down the field as time ticked away. A gutsy decision to go for it on 4th and goal proved to be unsuccessful for the squad and Calabasas regained possession with two minutes left in the contest. Luckily, the Dons defense stayed strong once again and the Coyotes were forced to punt, giving the SB offense one last chance. The game was sealed as Mault took off up the left sideline in an electrifying final play that put the Dons up 28-21. With mere seconds left on the clock, the Coyotes were given one last chance score which was cut off by yet another Fauskee interception. As the clock hit zero, players and coaches alike were seen radiant and smiling as the Dons record rose to 5-2-1, keeping their playoff hopes alive. 

The homecoming dance itself was a lively soiree, with colorful lights and Rio-themed decorations lining the quad. The festive vibes led to a fun night as spirits continued to ride high after the previous night’s victory. Overall, homecoming weekend was an experience to remember for everyone involved and will hopefully set the tone for a successful second quarter of the year.

Homecoming royalty Tomas Gil and Kiyomi Klonowski. [Photo Courtesy Laura Wooster-Dorfman]