Allison Raisner

ASB member Nate Rutter waves the Carlmont flag for the crowd as the cheer and football teams meet on the field.

Music. People. Blue.

The experience of a football game immerses students the moment they walk in.

When they enter, they are given a series of choices to make: buy a boba tea, head to the Snack Shack, sit in the regular bleachers, sit in the Screamin’ Scots section, or get their face painted.

“It’s always fun to throw the cloud of baby powder in the air, get blue and white face paint done, and of course watch the very end when someone from ASB runs across the track with the blue Carlmont flag,” said Anjali Mehta, a sophomore.

The Spirit commission of Associated Student Body (ASB) eagerly paints students’ faces before zero and first periods the day of the game. People emphasize “Scots Days,” in which students wear blue clothes or Carlmont gear.

The experience goes beyond watching the game.

“Football games are fun because of the things that happen outside of the game. Pep band, the cheerleaders, and drumline are always fantastic and make the game so much more fun and provide a lot of enthusiasm,” Mehta said.

The fan involvement encourages an environment that welcomes everyone.

“Everyone comes together as a community to cheer on our players. The support of others is felt in many ways,” said Lilly Rozansky, a junior.

Fans don’t attend just to watch the game or cheer; they also enjoy socializing. Sofie Hai, a sophomore, admits to not understanding the football game.

“I mostly chat with my friends and don’t watch much of the game,” Hai said.

Hai is not the only one that enjoys the atmosphere.

“My favorite part of football games is seeing my friends because I don’t have a lot of classes with them,” said Carolyn Ryan, a freshman.

Once the game is over, many people tend to hang out and catch up.

“After the game, when my friends and I get in all the photos, I feel more included in the high school experience,” Ryan said.

The Screamin’ Scots section is universally one of the most favored parts of the game.

“Screamin’ Scots is a place where you can be as loud as you want and positively support the school,” Ryan said.

The football team also appreciates the students at the game and the energy that they bring.

“The crowd’s excitement and energy encourages us and affects our overall performance,” said Joshua Yglesias, a sophomore on the JV football team.

Head football coach Jake Messina also notices the positivity.

“The Screamin’ Scots do a good job and help create a neat environment which the guys [on the team] appreciate,” Messina said.

Friday nights aren’t just for football games. They’re for positivity, energy, and friendship.

“Screaming with my fellow Carlmont Scots makes me feel like I’m part of a fun and inclusive community,” Mehta said.