When the lights shine on Friday nights at the West Essex turf, the fan section, consisting of the most energized student body, comes alive. With flags and face paint, matching accordingly to either a blackout or a redout, the students show their spirit. Every year at the home opening football game, the fan section gets their first shot at showing the team and their parents what they’re made of.

The home opening game was on Sept. 14, with the boys going up against Central Newark. The fan section, filled with seniors and juniors, showed up to get the game started.

“There were a lot of people there which brought a lot of energy and made the players more excited,” junior James DeMichele said. The stands were filled, bringing a lot of positive support to the boys on the field.

“We had a lot of school spirit, but I think the cheers can be better if we learn more,” senior Tori Mielnicki said. She was a part of the fan section, front row and had mixed reviews about their first game leading the underclassmen.

This Friday, the football team takes on Lincoln and the students will have a second opportunity to cheer them on to another victory.