Under the Friday night lights, the crowd wasn’t there just for the football game, they were there to honor the first responders. This year’s First Responders game was on Sep. 12 at Granite Bay High School honoring local law enforcement, fire, EMTs and all branches of the armed services.

The game was more than just a matchup between Ponderosa and Granite Bay, it brought the community together to honor the local first responders. The event turned the normal Friday night into a celebration of the first responders service.

Before kickoff, local first responders were recognized by going around the track with their lights on in their emergency vehicles. The game football was dropped off in the middle of the field and the fire department raised up the American flag as well. 

The helicopter’s dramatic entrance made the night unforgettable when it brought down the football. It is a way to remember the first responders event because usually that would not usually happen during a game.

Lukas Franco, a junior at Granite Bay High School said, “My favorite part of the game was seeing the helicopter bring down the football and knock down the signs.” 

First responders often work behind the scenes. The game was a way to recognize them by having a football game dedicated to them. By recognizing them the school had one of the most popular school events of the year.

“It was amazing to see them honored because they deserve the love.” Michael Kiwan, a sophomore at Granite Bay, said.

Throughout the night the stadium was filled with students who wore red, white and blue for the game.

“Everyone was more engaged than any other home game.(..) Definitely the spirit that everyone showed, really showed pride in both our school and our country.” Nate Carleson, a senior and Grizz nation leader at Granite Bay High school, said. 

The crowd was electric, showing up and out for both the teams and the first responders. The students were happily ready to support the first responders, which helped bring out the energy from the crowd.

Even the football game between Granite Bay and Ponderosa was exciting.The Grizzlies completely shut down Ponderosa, holding their offense to only 7 points. Many terrific plays by both the offense and defense helped the Grizzlies score and lead them to victory. They fed off the crowd’s energy and the honoring of the first responders to score 42 points and completely take the win over Ponderosa.

As the lights dimmed down on the field, the First Responders game left many memories and big touchdowns. The game honored the responders and got the school fired up.