The return of Friday Night Lights (FNL) at The Horn has brought back school spirit and excitement around campus. The football team, cheerleaders, band and student section all play a role in making each game a fun experience.
For the players, nothing compares to running onto the field surrounded by a packed student section and fans going crazy. The enthusiasm from the stands influences players and their mindset before a game.
“Running out of the smoke and gate at the beginning of the game is the best feeling to start out a Friday night,” senior football player Bryce Flynt stated.
While the crowd helps motivate the players, each individual has their own way of getting mentally prepared to step out onto the field and play in a game.
“Everyone is in their own zone in the locker room before games,” Flynt noted. “Each player has their own headphones and music playing, which makes pregame more personal to how we each want to perform.”
An excited stadium helps hype up the players and gets them motivated to go out and play for a win. The student section leaders, Dead Red Nation (DRN), help encourage students to show out for games and work with the cheerleaders to keep everyone hyped.
“The crowd’s loud energy and cheering helps me and the team make good plays throughout the game,” Flynt shared.
Senior Brielle Thomas, a member of the Lambert Football Cheer squad, knows the importance of keeping the crowd enthusiastic during games.
“We keep the energy up by incorporating cheers with the student section or dances with the band to keep everyone interacted,” Thomas noted.
Even though fewer students show out for away games, the cheer squad makes sure the spirit stays high.
“More people show up for the home games but even without our big student section we cheer on our team just the same,” Thomas shared.
The squad’s motivation and cheers help keep the energy high for the players and the student section during all games.
The players, cheerleaders and members of DRN work hard to bring up the school spirit during football season. The energy during FNL is unbeatable and Lambert is excited for another memorable football season.
