On Friday, October 6th, Washington Township High School’s annual Homecoming festivities began with the Spirit Parade. The night started off with a performance by the Homecoming Court members and their escorts. This was followed by performances from many of the school’s clubs, all with talent and creative themes hoping to appeal to the judges. Junior and Senior Class Council came out on top as this year’s Spirit Parade winners, with Student Council following in second place, and Interact and DECA tying for third.
Following the Spirit Parade, the Washington Township Minutemen kicked off another one of WTHS’s favorite traditions, the Homecoming football game. Although the Minutemen were the underdogs in this game against the Winslow Eagles, they did not play like it. The Minutemen started off the first half hot with two rushing touchdowns courtesy of Jared Dzierzgowski. Winslow struck back right before the half, scoring their first points, which made the score 14-6 heading into halftime.
At halftime, the crowning of the 2024 Washington Township Homecoming Queen took place. The twelve Homecoming Court members individually made their way onto the track to prepare for the crowning. Each member of the court, who had represented and raised money for a charity of their choice, was accompanied by an escort, a flower child, and their “special person” by their side. Although all 12 members were very deserving, only one could be crowned. At the end of the ceremony, Jaylen’ Miri Tatem was announced as this year’s Homecoming Queen. She celebrated her big win by Instagram Live-ing on the victory golf-kart ride.
Following the crowning, the football team took the field to start the second half, and Winslow fought back early. Two Winslow touchdowns pushed the score to 18-14 Winslow, but a Cole Aquino rushing touchdown put the Minutemen back on top 21-18. Then, with six minutes to go, Winslow went on a three-minute touchdown drive, putting Winslow on top 25-21. All hope seemed to be lost in the game, and with time enough for one final play, quarterback Cole Aquino threw a Hail Mary pass that was deflected in the endzone and caught by Wide Receiver Dashawn Long for a touchdown.
This catch circulated everywhere and may be one of the greatest catches made all season long. The Minutemen stole the victory 27-25, and as the student section poured onto the field, it marked another successful Homecoming for Washington Township High School.
