Junior Payton Copher’s feet hit the turf, and he starts running straight ahead through a line of cheering students. His teammates surround him, and his energy levels are at an all time high. The crowd roars at the sight of the team, and confetti flies as voices raise.

“It’s a surge of excitement, running out with my brothers beside me, knowing they’ve got my back and I have theirs. I know the time and work we have put in to have the opportunity to run onto the field is a true blessing,” Copher said.

On Friday nights in the fall, students gather in large numbers to cheer on the Wildcats and see their team rise to victory. The emotion of the crowd fuels the team, and the team’s actions fuel the crowd’s emotions.

“They [student section members] give us so much support and definitely an advantage at home games. I feel like they make our team play better because they go all out,” sophomore Grant Allen said.

However, it is not only the players that get excited about the games. Students feel a special connection to the players when they see the players enter the game.

“I enjoy being able to watch guys I personally know go out and perform to the best of their abilities,” junior Zach Lewandowski said.

While members of the team enjoy playing for themselves, they keep the whole team in mind when playing. Certain players are willing to sacrifice their wants for what is best for the team.

“[I would play] wherever I could help the team out the most. Whether it be defense and me having to be physical and a leader, or offense to use my speed and skill set. [There is] no set position I want to play, just wherever I’m needed,” Copher said.

This year, the team has two main quarterbacks: Grant Allen and Payton Copher. This creates a special situation for the team, fans, and coaches.

“It’s awesome to be named one of two, but I just see it as another way that the team needs me to help win,” Copher said.

However, Coach Wood had a specific reason for placing both boys in this position.

“They are both talented and help us win games. They complement each other and it gives us a chance to be explosive on offense,” Wood said.

Whoever plays the position, all team members want to see the success of the team.

“[Being on the field] is a feeling like no other. There’s a big adrenaline rush that goes through my body; to get on the field, under the lights, is a great feeling,” Allen said.