Spartans celebrate homecoming

Two fire engines drove down Foothill Boulevard Friday carrying an unusual group of passengers — La Cañada High School’s football team and cheerleaders. It was all part of the homecoming parade before the school’s big game and school dance.

“Homecoming is a celebratory event, the kids are very excited about it,” said Joanne Davidson, LCHS assistant principal. “We have a lot of people come back for the football game and it’s just a great time for our school.”

The festivities kicked off early Friday morning as LCHS students packed the school’s football stadium at 9:30 a.m. for a pep rally.

“They were able to do something a little different,” Davidson said. “Having the pep rally outside was very traditional, but modern at the same time.”

Everyone rushed over to Memorial Park once school let out, taking their school spirit with them. Pickup trucks morphed into makeshift parade floats to lead the procession of cars from Memorial Park down Foothill Boulevard.

“Homecoming is all about bringing together the spirit of the school,” LCHS Principal Jacqueline Luzak said. “There has been a lot of school spirit today.”

Friday was also when the Spartans football team, set for a 7 p.m. kick-off Friday against Rio Hondo League rival South Pasadena High School, got down to business.

“We have to win on homecoming — it’s not even a question,” said Scott Gray, a senior and starting quarterback at La Cañada High.

It was mission completed for the Spartans, as they won 28-21 in a nail-biter. Several players, including Gray, returned to the lineup after suffering injuries in the third or fourth week of the season and led La Cañada to the win.

“Everyone is back and they all wanted to be back for homecoming,” Gray said.

The “Dr. Seuss’ Green Eggs and Homecoming Dance” followed the game. The homecoming court was made up of Alexandra Brown, Madison Carter, Lauren Cox, Chelsea Graf and Shannon O’Hara. Brown was named queen at half-time.

There was no fazing quarterback Gray, even with all the pomp and extra attention.

“I’m not really feeling any extra pressure,” Gray said. “I just think tonight is going to be fun.”