With homecoming comes more excitement and more people-but when you play your rivals for homecoming, it’s even more. Head football coach Tom Kruse and team captains Brandon Rayos and Chase Hutchison talk about the rivalry and what it means for this year’s homecoming game.

The rivalry with Belton makes this year’s homecoming game bigger than previous homecomings.

“It’s a rival game. Then you throw in the fact that it’s Belton, you throw in homecoming, you throw in the time of the season because we used to open with them. When this game came out on our schedule, it automatically became a good time to throw in a homecoming. All of our alumni come back, we have the distinguished service award, you throw in the homecoming attendance.” said Kruse.

The rivalry isn’t new, it’s been going on for generations, even when Kruse was in high school.

“I think it’s because we’re so close. Belton has been there forever and Ray-Pec has been here forever; even back in the 80s and 90s it was a rivalry. I think that’s what makes it fun-you have to have a rival. The opportunity to get it for our homecoming-which we haven’t had in a long time was kind of fun.” said Kruse.

Since the schedule got revamped this year for a new two-year cycle, the game against Belton has been pushed back to a later date.

“Normally we open up the season with them and we know we’re going to beat them, but they always say ‘It’s the first week; we weren’t ready,’ so now we’re going to try to kill them even more this week.” said senior Chase Hutchison.

Going into games, the football team works hard. They are especially determined playing their rival for homecoming.

“It’s exciting to be behind a team with so much passion and enthusiasm getting ready for this game-it’s fun.” said senior Brandon Rayos.

Since 2008, the football team has won all eight games they have played against Belton. Winning homecoming this year would be huge for the school, and our ninth straight win over Belton.

“It makes it big for them, but for us, we’re just going to go out there and make it nine.” said Rayos.

The atmosphere of the homecoming game against rival Belton is exciting.

“I love the fact that we’re home, and I love playing in front of our student section-it’s awesome.” said Kruse.

Football games are always full of energy and excitement, especially when playing your rival for homecoming. High school football is something teenagers will remember forever, especially games like this.