Maplewood and South Orange showed their Cougar pride last night at a packed-house turnout for the Columbia High School football season opener against Seton Hall Prep.
The evening began with a moving tribute to members of the CHS and Seton Hall communities who were lost during the attacks of September 11, 2001. CHS Principal Elizabeth Aaron walked out to mid-field and the teams joined her, facing each other on either side. Aaron then read the names of the Seton Hall Prep and Columbia High School alumni and staff who died on September 11. This was followed by a haunting, a cappella rendition of the Star Spangled Banner by the CHS Excelsior choral group.
Then the Cougar Marching Band struck up the beat, the CHS Cheerleading Squad called the first cheer, and the crowd “pumped it up” as the players hit the field.
In spite of a 42-7 loss to the Prep powerhouse, the Cougars, under Head Coach John Power, played hard and showed their claws. At halftime, the band gave a strong performance of their new routine, “Bound,” under Director Peter Bauer.
The next home game will be Saturday, September 26 at 1 p.m. at Underhill Field (behind Clinton School) vs. Orange High School.
CHS freshman player Luke Hayes contributed to this report. Band photos by Michelle Schwartzbard.
