The sound of rustling ribbons and bells from the plethora of mums and garters mingled with the cheers of the crowd as the Sandies took on the Caprock Longhorns for the homecoming game. One the sidelines, five girls and five boys waited for their chance to see if they would wear a crown at halftime.

While homecoming traditions mostly stay the same, the title of Homecoming Queen changed in 1991 when the titles of Amarillo High Queen and Homecoming Queen merged into the same title. Before then, the school body voted for the Queen, and the homecoming queen was chosen by the football team.  Many years later in 2021, the title of Homecoming King started.  

Once halftime rolled around at the much-anticipated football game, the crowd went silent to see the chosen king and queen. Each nominee was individually introduced before the winners were announced. A short pause happened before Zeke Riddley became the new king and Marisol Rojas became the new queen.  Student Council presented Riddley with a crown and a signed football and Rojas with a tiara, gift card and flowers. Pride and tears on their faces

The crowd went wild, their claps and cheers echoed throughout Dick Bivins Stadium. The two Sandie Steppers had taken the titles, with shouts coming from the crowd and other steppers, making their approval known.

Despite their confidence in the players, the crowd still pressured the team to win this special football game.

“At first you could tell there was a little nerve in the locker room,” wide receivers coach Noah 

Mason said. “But that comes with the energy when you pack the stands like they were tonight.”

The players overcame their nerves and ended the game with a win of 38-7, beating Caprock and sending all Sandie fans home feeling proud of their team.

“I feel good, we are 2-0 in district and it is a great feeling,” running back Pius Vokes said.