Troy faces Plains for homecoming

Things changed in Troy last week. The invigorating energy of a come-from-behind 32-26 overtime victory against Cut Bank on the gridiron sparked new energy into the Trojans.

“Before last week I was more focused on myself and my own goals,” senior Luke Haggerty said. “But after that win, I realized we could be a good team, maybe make the playoffs.”

In preparation for their homecoming game against Plains at 7 p.m. Friday, the Trojans piled into a computer lab to watch film. Many of the players wore pajama pants, but considering the way high schoolers dress these days, a reporter had to ask, is this unusual?

“Today is pajama day,” Haggerty said. “Every day this week has had a theme. Monday was Monster day. Some girls dressed as witches. Tuesday was Redneck Day. Just about everyone dressed normally for that one.”

Deadpan humor aside, Haggerty, like many of his fellow seniors, agreed his fourth homecoming is a little different than the previous three.

“This has been a hectic week,” senior quarterback Gabe Hickman said. “Everyone says this is the most important week of your high school career. I definitely feel more attention.”

Standout two-way lineman Bruce Metz nearly missed out on the hoopla. After starting on varsity as a freshman, Metz sat out the next two seasons.

“I’m glad I came back for all of this,” Metz said behind a budding chinstrap beard just short of connecting at the bottom. “We’ve seen Plains and they got a couple of big guys but nothing we can’t handle.”

Festivities through the week have included daily dodgeball tournaments during lunch and a scavenger hunt Monday. Speaking Wednesday evening, the boys were excited for that night’s Game Night.

“We got powderpuff football, a car push, ultimate football and a tug of war,” Haggerty said. “It’s my favorite part of homecoming.”

A massive bonfire followed Game Night.

A string of ceremonies will precede Friday’s game. Homecoming royalty voting will take place during homeroom. A pep rally will be held at 1 p.m. and the parade will take place at 4 p.m.

Homecoming royalty will be presented at halftime of the football game. The dance will be held in the elementary school gym from 9:30 p.m. to midnight.

For all the excitement surrounding the events the players seem relaxed.

“We snuck a rubber ball into the dodgeball tournament yesterday,” Metz said. “Ryan Huffman nailed Pate Scott right in the ribs. That left a pretty good mark.”