For Homecoming on Sept. 28
By John Tredrea, Staff Writer
Over the objections of several neighbors of Central High School’s football field, this year’s Homecoming football game will be played under the lights.
The game is set for Friday night, Sept. 28.
Hopewell Valley reinstituted its football program several years ago. Prior to that, there had been no high school football in the Valley since 1932. This will be the first Homecoming game under the lights. It will be a one-time event, school officials said Monday.
The lights will be rented. No other night games are planned.
Several neighbors who spoke at Monday night’s meeting of the Hopewell Valley Regional Board of Education were opposed to the night game, because of the lights, noise and traffic.
Also jamming the regular business meeting were many supporters of the night game — including parents, athletes and Central High School Booster Club members.
The majority who spoke was in favor of holding the game at night. After the public spoke, the board voted. All voted in favor of the night game, except Jim Wulf, who abstained after saying the board should work harder to minimize the divisiveness of issues.
The Booster Club and school officials want to hold the football game Friday night because more people will be able to see more Homecoming games that way during Homecoming weekend. Along with other activities, soccer and field hockey games will be played Saturday, as they have been for years.
The backers of the night game say Friday night football games, particularly on Homecoming weekends, have been a staple in high schools throughout the country.