The HOCO Game: School Spirit
The deafening sound of hundreds of Central students, the sea of red flooding the stands, the band music echoing throughout the stadium, and the buzzing energy coming from both the crowd and the players all define the Central HOCO game. For many, this will be their very first one, and for others, their very last. Every year this game means something to someone; it’s someone’s core memory, someone’s big moment, or perhaps someone’s life changing experience.
The above photo to the right was taken by me my Freshman year during my first HOCO game (HOCO 2023). While we unfortunately did not win the homecoming game that year, thanks to the magic and familial nature of Central events, I still look back on this event very fondly.
I remember I stood on a broken stand with my friends, and every few minutes someone would jump too hard and knock somebody else into the crowd. It’s these little moments that create the very magic of Central.
As I learned my freshmen year, it is not the winning or the losing but the showing up that counts. Whether or not we won or lost this year‘s homecoming game, I knew that this year we would play as hard as possible.
After all, the HOCO game is statistically the most attended football game of the whole year, and this year was no exception.
As a part of this article, I conducted various interviews with members of the CCHS family.
As I found out in a virtual interview with a member of varsity football, Ryan, we lost to this very team (The Hawks) last time we faced them. Therefore making the HOCO game an interesting battle.
Furthermore, one of the team captains, Caiden Chase, was interviewed and asked how he felt about playing in his last HOCO game.He responded saying, “This being my last HOCO is definitely bittersweet. I’m going to miss the HOCO experience, but I am very excited for college.”
Adding onto Ryan’s interview, Caiden mentioned how the Hawks “have beaten us every time recently. [But,] We are looking to stop that streak this year!”
However, while a worthy opponent on the field, the Hawks stood no match for Central’s school spirit.
Parting the Red Sea is a pivotal aspect of the HOCO game, as well as our basketball games. However, there is nothing that can prepare you for parting the Red Sea at a HOCO game. Here is a video I took of last year of my friends and I being part of the Red Sea. Without a doubt it is a fun and unforgettable experience!
There are many incredible opportunities and life changing experiences at Central events. In my interview with her, Charliane mentioned a personal, life-changing experience at her last HOCO, where she met her current best friend. Central events are known for having this kind of impact on people, leading them to find a familial group of people who they feel truly understand them.
As a part of this article, I conducted interviews with a few members of the CCHS family before the HOCO game. and asked them what, if anything, they would say to the football team before their big game?
Junior and photographer of last year’s HOCO, Charliane Nyarko said, “If I were to say anything to the football team before their big game, it would be don’t get too into your head over this. Just have fun and make memories with your teammates and friends. After all, that’s what high school is all about! Winning would be nice too, but it’s OK if you don’t. Raider nation is rooting for you whatever the outcome may be!”
Junior class president, Micaiah King, said, “Go out there and leave everything on the field. I’ve seen you guys put in work and pain in the summer all the way up till now, so just trust, pray, and play to the best of your ability so you can win for all of us. I mean you beat the number 1 team in Rhode Island so surely you[‘ve] got this in the bag!”
Micaiah’s inspiring words truly capture the Central spirit. And for those who were not able to attend the game and see for themselves, the results of the Raiders v. Hawks were … The Raiders won! Clearly all of the hard work and dedication of both the team and the coaches paid off in an incredible and unforgettable HOCO game.
The score was back and forth, if you blinked you might have missed a touchdown or a field goal. The Raiders played hard, and walked off the field at half-time in the lead. They then went into the second half and kept playing strong. At the end with 10 seconds left on the board and mere feet away from the Hawks Touchdown, the Raiders held their own and won the game.
The crowds erupted in an immediate standing ovation as the players paraded around the field with excitement.
Charliane and Micaiah’s inspirational words emphasize the school spirit of CCHS, as well as the hard work, long hours, and dedication that both the coaches and the players have put into this season.
However, the game alone is not the only part of HOCO.
The History of Homecoming Dances
Homecoming was first started at the University of Missouri in 1911. It was created to boost school spirit; thus, it is tied to the football season, an important part of American culture and school spirit.
Little did they know at the time that this event that they created would lead to over a century of school spirit, energy, and fun. Looking back to past Homecomings there are so many fun and incredible moments we can remember.
In my older sister, Sara’s (class of 2024) yearbook, I found photos of that year’s homecoming. This was my first homecoming. The theme was Carnival.
Thanks to the help of Mrs. Downs, I was able to look at past Central yearbooks and learn more about themes and some of the incredible CCHs alumni!
Some of the themes over the last few years included: Royalty, Carnival, Under the Sea, and Out of this World.
HOCO DANCE 2025:
This year’s HOCO theme was HollyWood, and bringing the hype from the field to the dance floor was no problem for CCHS students. Everyone looked amazing in their Hollywood bling.
The food was amazing, and the decorations were even better. There was even a center stage in the gym with a device that mimicked the glam bot used in Hollywood.
Students danced till they dropped while the DJ rocked the stage. There were games set up throughout the gym that were based around various Hollywood hits. The teachers were dressed up and some even hit the dance floor as well. Mr. Wang even had a solo on the stage next to the DJ.
I would say without a doubt that this was my favorite homecoming so far. I can’t wait for next year.
