The Lakeview Centennial Patriots took on the Lake Highlands Wildcats last week in the first round of football playoffs at HBJ stadium. The team showed up, eager to play in playoffs for the first time in 21 years.

Everyone from the players to the fans stood before the game, Patriot Pride running through them.

“Before the game, I feel like everyone was either excited for the game or nervous about whether we would win and go to the second round or not,” junior Jessica Evans said.

Lakeview put on special playoff activities throughout the week to celebrate this major accomplishment.

“I think they were showing more school spirit than they ever have before,” senior Steven Sims said.

Fans showed up to the stadium early to participate in a tailgate run by cheer. Paint Crew provided face paint to boost our school spirit.

“I wore my Lakeview shirt and I painted my face before the game,” senior Ben Reeve said.

On the field, Petey got the crowd fired up alongside the Minutemen. They played leapfrog and twirled helicopters to get the crowd cheering.

“Since I’m the mascot, I bring the spirit up for the students and I make them laugh a lot,” Evans said

The final score for the game was 55 to 27, the Patriots winning and advancing to round 2 for the first time since 1988.

“I think we did more than fought hard, we made a statement because we wanted to show we were the better team,” Sims said.

The crowd joined pinkies to sing our alma mater in celebrating our history making.

“We’re a great community with great teachers and I have made some amazing memories here,” Reeve said.