On a beautiful Saturday afternoon on October 2, the Hampton Bays varsity football team competed against Port Jefferson for their homecoming game. Sophomore Patrick Donahue scored a touchdown in the second quarter, and despite a great effort by the Baymen the game was an uphill battle resulting in a 42-6 loss..

However, the loss didn’t dampen the spirit of the community. This season, senior James Kiernan told us that he intends to make the sporting atmosphere more fun, which he absolutely thinks is paying off. At each game he attends, it is clear that he does his best to amp up the crowd to show our home teams that they’re valued. 

In addition, the team itself saw the outcome of the game as a learning experience. Senior Timothy “TJ” Kraycar, who has played football for 10 years, told us that the team likes to take time to re-evaluate after a game. “We went over our mistakes in detail and learned from it, so that we try not to make the same mistakes again.” Aside from this, he says that having the support of the community is always a positive thing. “I like the fact that the whole community comes together to celebrate this week. Having the whole school support us makes me want to try my absolute hardest during both the game, as well as practice.”

The next home varsity game for Hampton Bays is scheduled for Friday, October 29th at 6:00 p.m. against Center Moriches. The school pep band, directed by Mrs. Halsey, will be in attendance, to bring further school spirit to the event. As with previous home games, many students also plan on attending to show their support for the football team.