Mustang pride burned bright as a flood of orange and green poured into the gym Friday, welcomed by the beat of the Mandarin High drum line.  The crowd erupted as the super seniors raced in, showing their school spirit through the flowing flags they carried.  As the crowd settled, Ms. Harkins rolled out the “red carpet”, paving the way for the royalty of Mandarin, and the reason for this mustang meeting; the Homecoming   Court.  First out on the floor was the Freshman Lord and Lady, followed by the Sophomore Duke and Duchess.  Close behind were the Junior Prince and Princess, who trailed to their respective places.  Last to grace the floor were the nominees for Senior King and Queen, who were welcomed in an uproar of approval. 

While the Mustang majestic settled into their center-stage seats, the Varsity cheerleaders, who hadn’t made an official appearance in a pep-rally this year, stepped up.  They showed their stuff as they strutted to the center of the gym, feeding off the reaction of their peers.  After a back-handed start, they finished off with a few fantastic stunts, proving they have what it takes to cheer our football team to victory. 

The band cut in, sending the school spirited women to the side lines.  Moving together in unison, the music-makers jumped into their rendition of “Jump on It,” sending all classes into a dancing frenzy (and a few teachers as well).  Throwing down a few more melodious pieces, the band eventually stepped back into their designated positions, paving the way for the Mustangs in Black, who won hands down in a blacked-out face off against a lone Ed White “Commander.”

Applauding the victory, Coach Robinson, the new head coach of our home team, belted out a welcome, and got the crowd going with a boisterous pep talk.  After some color chanting, the delight of Mandarin was introduced; our Varsity football team.  The gym shook with the thunderous response, and the boys ran into the gym, pumped and ready for the night’s victory.  A huddle and a reminder of the blackout ended the rally, and all in attendance could feel the unity swirling around for our Mustang football team.  The band bid us farewell, and the orange and green ocean poured into the court yard, ready for the big game.  Later that night the Mustangs came back and crushed the Commanders in a close game.