Irish Homecoming

By Jakob Salao, Sports Editor

JAKOB SALAO/The Shamrock

Kennedy celebrated their Homecoming rally in preparation for the football game on Oct. 11. The excitement began during the fourth period, as classes were brought to a pep rally prepared by ASB. Students were treated to a performance by Kennedy’s cheer, football, and the Kennedy Singers. At the end of the rally, ASB announced the Homecoming king: Anthony Farias.

“When my name was announced, I couldn’t even hear it, nor could I see the poster so I had no clue who won. Then, Erica Roh came up to me and all of ASB started yelling at me ‘it’s you’, pointing their fingers towards me. I was in shock and started jumping with my friends,” Farias said. 

Later that night, Kennedy’s football team took on the Pacifica Mariners, where the Irish lost 20-35. Quarterback Ryan Cathcart completed 7-of-12 passes for 156 yards and two touchdowns. Cathcart also rushed four times for 23 yards started the Irish’s score with a three-yard rushing touchdown in the second quarter. Wide receiver Aiden Friesen caught three passes for 35 yards and added on two touchdowns. He also rushed four times for another 21 yards.  Running Back Ayomide Omalafe rushed 16 times for 114 yards and caught two passes for 66 yards. 

During the halftime show, as the Irish went into the locker room to discuss their second-half strategy, Megan Soto was announced Homecoming Queen.

“I definitely did not expect my name to be announced being that the rest of the court are the most well rounded, amazing girls. Caught by surprise, hearing my name announced overwhelmed me with so much pure excitement and gratitude,” Soto said. 

Despite the loss, Omalafe and his team didn’t let it ruin their season.

“We did great on offense, but defense not so great. We weren’t tackling well, we just have to get back to practice, work on tackling and watch film,” Omalafe said. 

​After a very memorable Homecoming dance, the football team got straight back to work to prepare for their next opponent, the Valencia Tigers, and continue to compete for a spot in the playoffs.