Hornets Find Their Footing in Homecoming Victory

Carl Joseph ‘28 breaks past John Adams’s defense. *Photo: Miranda Liu*

By CAMILLE LAMOUR and DORIS CHEN

On November 1, a decently summery afternoon at the Hive, the Lady Phoenix Step Team, the cheer team, and the band joined Principal Dr. Robert Quinlan and fellow Hornets at Midwood Field at 2 p.m. to celebrate the school’s 2025 Homecoming game against John Adams High School.

Unfortunately, due to scheduling issues with the NYC Marathon, the usual march from the school to the field had to be canceled this year. Hornets were still encouraged to wear white or Midwood gear to show support for the football team.

“The changes brought some disappointment to students, but excitement for the game remained high,” said Dr. Quinlan. “You see the ‘M,’ you know which school it is. It's really awesome to see students, whether athletes, cheerleaders, or alumni, showing their school pride.”

Normally, Midwood’s student groups perform during halftime. This year, they had to go on before the start of the game.

Upon arrival, the dance team opened things up, followed by the step team, who executed their synchronized stomps and claps. Last came the cheer team’s shake of their skirts and silver pompoms.

The band also performed 11 songs, including “Paint It Black” by The Rolling Stones with drumline cadences as a rhythmic backdrop, “The Star-Spangled Banner,” and hits like “I Like to Move It,” “Eye of the Tiger,” and “We Will Rock You,” keeping the crowd’s energy high throughout the game.

“I found it fun,” said Matthew Sanchez, a junior baritone saxophone player. “Being able to show other people my music and show my pride for the school made it even better.”

Adory Petrocelli ‘29, a flute player, said, “It was exciting. I was really looking forward to it. It makes me feel grateful for the opportunity to play, especially as a freshman.”

After the performances, the highly anticipated game between Midwood and John Adams began. After four minutes, the Hornets scored their first touchdown. The crowd roared as the cheerleaders started their motivating cheer, “M.H.S. We Are the Best.”

“It’s the strongest cheer with no contest,” said Cheer Captain and Junior Class President Senmeri Angaza. “No matter the circumstances, whether it's an off day or a low energy game, the team always brings out all of our energy and unity for that cheer.”

Midwood ended the first quarter with 8 points. Early in the second, they scored another touchdown, bringing their lead to 14-0.

By halftime, Midwood had further extended their lead to 31–0. When John Adams scored their first touchdown, it added fuel to the fire. Taylor Perry-Bloome ‘27 said, “I’m honestly glad that Adams made a touchdown. It was getting boring seeing Midwood constantly score; the game needed competition.”

The scoreboard now read 31-6, and the clock was ticking. The cheer team chanted their rival cheer, “Touchdown.”

“That’s one of my favorite cheers because it’s a way to get under the other team's skin while also motivating our football players,” said cheerleader Britney Moore ‘27.

It seemed to work as Midwood protected their lead, holding out for a 31-6 win. The boys ran off the field, flipping in excitement, though unfortunately, due to the ineligibility of some of the players, the win was later disqualified.

The team, which finished 2-6 on the year, with other wins coming against Staten Island Tech and Benjamin Cardozo, now looks ahead to next year’s campaign, hoping to build on their progress this season.