Written by Allurabella Chandler, Staff Writer
On Friday October 30, 2026, the Riverside Poly Bears Football team, Cheer team, Sports Medicine club, Band and Color Guard held their senior night.
The seniors that participated in every football game this season, have been awarded their recognition on this year’s senior night for their respective contributions. This was the most meaningful football game yet, as it was the last of the season. Senior night was a chance to recognize all of the important roles that made these Friday games so special.
For the senior football players, this game marks the end of their high school football careers, and for some, their football careers as a whole. These players have put so much time into representing the Bears, and senior night gives their efforts a chance to be recognized. Senior Noah Lopez mentioned that senior night was very special, as he had “adrenaline going through [him] the entire day” leading up to the game. He had waited for this moment for three years and was happy to admit the seniors gave it their all this season.
Cheerleaders were also celebrating their seniors, as they have put in ceaseless effort throughout the years, spending their mornings practicing and perfecting routines. Their immense efforts were displayed during the halftime show, as they performed three routines; two of which consisted of celebrating the seniors.
The Band and Color Guard program is also a very important team to recognize for their efforts to keep everyone engaged and entertained throughout the game; from performing during halftimes to playing in the stands in support of the football players. Throughout the entire season, they have put forth continuous effort from their many long hours of practice. Color Guards entrancing performances throughout the season captivated the audience with every move.
And lastly, the Sports Medicine club’s seniors were recognized for all of the work they put in on the sidelines that tend to go unnoticed. Sports Medicine has stayed on the sidelines helping those who were injured, giving support when needed, and stayed calm in cases of emergencies. The seniors were put into the spotlight for one of the first times the entire season for the incredible amount of support they give the athletes. Samantha Reed, a senior in Sports Medicine, said that this year has been full of learning and improvement of her skills. She has enjoyed doing the ‘Gastron’ treatment, admitting it was “a bit challenging at times”, but continues to be her favorite.
Each of these teams and clubs all contributed different specialties throughout the seasons and every senior will be missed by Poly High School. Each senior has left behind a legacy to follow in their respective extracurricular. Although the seniors were happy, they couldn’t help but feel bittersweet after the game, knowing that the last of their season was over. Even so, all of them knew that they contributed everything they could to support their peers. This year’s senior night was a great success, and the seniors are looking forward to seeing what these programs do in the future.