There’s only so much you can take away from a scrimmage game. Last Friday night in Mt. Airy, however, was special. Not only was the exhibition matchup with East Hall an exuberant celebration of the Raiders being back in full garb on the gridiron, but it also provided wonderful insight into a big advantage to be had for Habersham this season: the crowd.
I’ve discussed before how well the Habersham faithful travel, but I can’t say I fully expected the turnout Friday. For a “scrimmage” nonetheless. I’m not the only one who took note.
“I’ll tell you what, I am loving this crowd and this energy,” said HCHS Athletic Director Geep Cunningham as his eyes made a panorama of Raider Stadium. “Just wait until that Stephens game.”
After the matchup, which yielded a 46-14 victory for the good guys, Coach Benji Harrison described the turnout as impressive.
“It was a great atmosphere, that’s for sure,” Harrison said. “Our students were loud. Them coming out and showing their support goes a long way in helping our team.”
The students indeed brought the noise. I, for one, am stoked to see what that looks like for one of the five crucial home games this year – once we wade deeper into football weather. When night time creeps on a little bit colder and a lot bit earlier.
I was told the students here love their football and show up to games dressed alike in some absurd way. Against East Hall it was camo. They had tied up some old beat up barrels to the railings of the stadium seating. When banged with their accompanying mallets, the barrels produced a sound I’m sure the visiting Vikings had ringing in their ears on the short bus ride back to Gainesville. I’m pretty sure I heard a few duck calls emanating from the student section, too.
I’ve also previously discussed how Raiders seem to support Raiders. Student-athletes across all sports gravitate towards each other’s events to show support.
Nobody embodied this more last Friday than Kyia Barrett. The Lady Raider hoops star and part-time publicity maestro led the charge in the student section. She’s not alone. There are countless more who show up with similar ferocity. While I’m on that note, Jayden Arria comes to mind. You have got to check out this kid’s videos covering the Raiders. I’ve seen him around numerous Hab games (various sports) with camera in tow. Not until recently did I realize what he was up to. High quality stuff.
Of course, the cheerleaders play a big part in all of it. I mentioned last week how hard they work to put together a great product on the sideline. Well, the proof is in the pudding.
And to think, all of that and the band wasn’t even there. The beloved Band of Blue I’ve heard so much about will be making that big bang debut in due time. That time is a week away.
So come on with it. These are exciting times in Northeast Georgia.
Lang Storey is the sportswriter for The Northeast Georgian. Reach him at 706-778-4215 or lstorey@TheNortheastGeorgian.com.