The One With the Playoff Game

 

 

 

November 3, 2023 was a little different than we expected. The Danvers football team had a home playoff game - they had an amazing year with a 6-2 record after an 0-2 start.

The band had to perform both in the stands and their halftime show at the game. Emmie had a migraine for the game, so I flew solo on that one.

The halftime show went well. In fact, it was one of the best of the season. I even got to hear Bri get announced (they got her name correct). Perhaps the best part of the day was the game itself. The team was up 17-0 with two minutes to go in the half. Blackstone Valley raced back to make it close. With three seconds to go, and Danvers up by 1 point, Blackstone had a chance to kick a field goal from the 10 yard line. However, Danvers rushed in and nicked the ball, sending it wide right. Danvers won at the last second and they made it to a second game (against Dedham) in the playoffs.

The One With the Salem Game

 

 

Last night, the Danvers Marching Band combined forces with the Salem Marching Band for an amazing pre-game show performance at Salem's opening football game. We had never done something like this before, but it was a great idea. And, because it was right before Hurricane Lee passed off the coast of Cape Cod, the night was actually a true beautiful calm before the storm night with an amazing sunset.

The night started off a little weird. It turned out that one of the buses from Danvers was late (the bus Kiff was on), so they had to get a police escort to the stadium. That makes for quite a memory!!! Then, they quickly assembled and put on a nice show.

Once the game started, the Danvers planned played sporadically in the stands throughouth. The game itself started off well for Danvers, which took a 7-0 lead in the second quarter. But, they were eventually outscored 15-0 the rest of the way, and lost the game.

But all and all, it was quite a night.

The One With The First Football Game

 

This Friday, Bri and Kiff performed in their first football game together as members of the marching band. It was so phenomenal to see.

It was so much fun to see them performing together. And, it was a blast to see them enjoy the third quarter pause in the game as well.

Kiff did a great job with the trumpet. Bri was awesome as part of the color guard, especially with their new, competetive dance.

They are quite a duo.

The One With The First Color Guard Game

 
Earlier this year, Bri decided to join the high school color guard. Although she is only in 8th grade, 8th grade band members are allowed to join the high school marching band if they wish. Because Bri is in band and loves to dance, she decided to join a friend and become part of the marching band.

However, instead of taking part in band with her flute - which she might like - she found out there was a need for color guard members. So, she joined up.

She practiced in the fall to experience what color guard would be like, and now that restrictions have been lifted and football was allowed to be played, a "WINTER 2" sport season has opened up. This also means that color guard would go live.

 

So flash forward to last night. It was the first home football game of the season for Danvers (the one last week had been postponed for health and safety protocols). And it was quite an experience. I hadn't been to a high school football game in ages...and it was a lot of fun. The color guard was great. It was awesome watching Bri come onto the field at half time and be part of the festivities. The color guard and marching band were great.

 

Just as awesome was the game. Danvers was down 14-0 at the half. The team stormed back behind a lot of hard work from freshman and won the game in overtime 17-14.

 

I was left amazed. During a crazy time for schools and school spots, there were more than 100 students from Danvers as part of this game. From players, to cheerleaders, to marching band and color guard....it was pretty amazing to see.