On Friday, Oct. 17, the boys varsity football team faced Stuyvesant High School in Cardozo’s homecoming game. Despite their best efforts, Cardozo couldn’t bring a win home for the team, losing 39-0.
The captains, Isaiah Garraud, #2, Duran Layne, #5, Aaron Robinson, #9, and Kunvarpartap Bains, #28, led and guided the team through thick and thin during the game. Through the obstacles faced and the challenges presented on the field, the team kept the school spirit going throughout the night.
Senior Yusuf Rahimi, #52, said that many of his teammates were excited to bring home a win for homecoming. “I was feeling really motivated before the game and even during the game, we all felt confident that we were going to win but as time passed it didn’t really go our way,” he said.
“Our team has things we can all individually work on and collectively so I hope we can see improvements before the season ends,” Rahimi added.
Due to this game being Cardozo’s homecoming event, prior to the game’s start, dozens of people joined many of the school’s programs in the parking lot for a pre-game tailgate. Programs like NJROTC, leadership, robotics, journalism, and the PTA had stands with baked goods, ramen, drinks, candy, and even bracelets.
Dolarie Cham, a journalist for The Verdict and a Gateway Program member, worked a stand during homecoming to fundraise and share information with students. “We handed out flyers for the Japan trip for Spring Break 2027 and sold chicken,” she said. “The game itself was a little boring and I expected a little more excitement and points, but I still had fun with the people I went with.”
Although during the game, the football team pushed themselves to their limits, they ultimately could not come out on top. Each player gave it their all and had a good run, but in the end, couldn’t beat Stuyvesant. Despite the loss, the game and event was a worth-a-while night for all those who were there.
“My team lost but it’s okay, spectator Richard Vidar Gruich said. “I had fun watching but I wasn’t there just for the game, I went for the vibes and to make memories with my friends.”
During the game, there were several performances that kept the crowd excited and engaged. Cardozo’s cheerleading team, dance team, and marching band all performed during halftime. The marching band and dance team collaborated together, performing the song “MIC drop” by BTS.
Jasmeen Kaur, a senior and one of the members in the marching band, shared, “I had a good experience playing with everyone and my friends. It’s a memorable experience and I’m glad that I spent my last homecoming by performing in it.”
Despite the cold weather as the night went on, the cheerleaders kept their voices strong throughout the entirety of the game and continuously sang, danced, and showed their Dozo spirit. The crowd got their fair share of entertainment, too. Small footballs were given out by the PTA, candy was shared, and the leadership class gave out glowsticks to match the “neon night” theme. The crowd even participated in the mannequin challenge for the Cardozo Journalism Instagram page.
In the end, those who went to the homecoming game still enjoyed their night, despite the team’s loss. Thanks to Cardozo’s programs, teams, and groups, the school spirit was alive even after the game was over.
