Football matchup under the lights pits Pointers, Hoover Cardinals

“Friday Night Lights.” The phrase, made popular by a film and television series of the same name, describes what now makes the annual Homecoming event at Point Loma High School (PLHS) so unique. A group of parents huddled with school officials in 2005 to create what is officially known as “Light the Night,” when 16 rented portable light towers with generators are spread around Bennie Edens Field for the event. An overflow crowd at Pete Ross Stadium for the featured football game is expected on Friday, Oct. 14 for a 6:30 p.m. kickoff. The advance purchase of tickets is encouraged at the school’s financial office during school hours. Providing gridiron opposition will be Hoover High School, another local school with a lengthy history. The Cardinals, who also have a bye this week, will take the field with the identical 3-2 record as the Pointers sport. The Cardinals are coached by former collegiate quarterback Cree Morris, who has enlisted several name coaches in an effort to turn the east San Diego school’s fortunes around. The game will be the first Western League match of the season for both schools. A halftime parade will be led by the PLHS alumni present, under the leadership of alumni director Kim Jessop (class of 1973). They will be followed by floats constructed for competition by each year’s class before the Homecoming King and Queen greet the crowd. Each class has adopted a decade for its float. The freshmen will spotlight the 1950s, followed by the sophomores (1970s), the juniors (1980s) and the seniors, representing the 1990s. A one-minute music and dance performance in front of the crowd will be judged by staff members. Earlier the same day, a pep rally will be held to support all fall sports, according to Amy Denney, Associated Student Body advisor. Cheer and dance teams will perform and the class floats will make their debut. The week of Homecoming also features Spirit Days, Denney said. Students are encouraged to dress according to daily themes, which include Jogger Day, Harry Potter Day, Animal Day and Superhero Day. On game day, students are asked to dress in their class’ decade theme. Lunchtime activities and music add to campus fun all week. In the 86-year history of PLHS, only the last seven years have seen a football game played at night. Since PLHS opened in 1925, its stadium has never had permanent night lighting. Neighbors near the PLHS campus have voiced strong opposition to the stadium lighting in the past, but the San Diego Unified School District has allocated future Proposition S funds for this purpose permanently. Meanwhile, PLHS principal Bobbie Samilson sent a letter on Oct. 4 to neighbors explaining the Homecoming event and inviting them to take part in the celebration. Her letter notes the lights will be put in place and turned on from 5:30 to 8:45 p.m. Oct. 12 and from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. on Oct. 13 for football team practices. Following the Friday Homecoming game, most lights will be turned off while the stadium is cleaned. All lights should be out by 11:30 p.m., according to Samilson’s letter. The school is contracting for additional security on Clove and Voltaire streets during the game, Samilson said. “We hope to minimize the impact on you, our neighbors, regarding parking, traffic and pedestrian issues,” Samilson said in the letter. Volunteers are needed to help pick up and return the generators on Oct. 12 at 9 a.m. and Oct. 15 at 7 a.m. Interested volunteers should contact Robert Pejovich for details at (619) 297-1394. On Saturday, Oct. 15, the annual Homecoming dance will take place from 8 to 11 p.m. on the campus of Dana Middle School.