Homecoming Games

By Ashby Semple & Reed Metzler

It was a cold, rainy day at the North Shore campus for Homecoming 2024. Soccer balls and baseballs flew around, the smell of warm hotdogs filled the air, sticks clashed and raucous cheering echoed.

The girls JV field hockey team clashed with Evanston. The game was intense, but neither side ever scored. It felt as if both teams were feeling each other out. Even though Evanston is a much larger school, the Raiders did not back down and stayed on the attack. The crowd was especially into the game as parents and students all cheered on from the sidelines.

On the other field, the boys soccer teams were facing off against Lycée Français. The JV team took home an impressive 3-2 win, setting up a big match for the varsity team. The varsity boys started hot, but some crucial mistakes late in the game led to a tied finish (2-2). The boys were frustrated, as they felt they were the more skilled team but could not capitalize on their chances.

As the playoffs loom, the question surrounding these two teams is, how well will North Shore do this year? The girls field hockey team is a young team that has shown that it can compete with larger schools. When it comes to playoff time, can they match their opponent’s intensity? They may have to play outside their comfort zone but they can make a far run this year. There is talent on the roster, but their limited playoff experience could come back to hurt them.

Controversy emerged among fans and players at the varsity boys soccer Homecoming game when their new head coach, Mike Pilger, subbed out upperclassmen and starters for younger players. Some seniors have voiced their complaints about being subbed out at crucial times, as well as other choices made by the coaches. It remains to be seen how these coaching decisions will impact postseason play, where there are no second chances.

Even though the Homecoming games may not all have gone as planned, they were still a great experience, and students and parents agreed that it was a success overall. The North Shore community had a great day despite the unfortunate weather.