Homecoming week is a huge tradition at Valley; it brings both campuses together. It is a week full of activities for K-12 students and one of those highlights is the homecoming block party and football game.  

Celebrating the win with Head Coach Aaron Higginbotham (Candace Hunsaker/AZPreps365)

The block party tradition began about 10 years ago, but it really took off in 2022 when a generous VCS family from Ray Cammock Shows (RCS) began to provide the same rides, inflatables, and food booths that can be found at the Arizona State Fair.  

The block party gets the entire VCS community excited for the homecoming football game that follows. Thousands of people from K-12, alumni, and parents walk around in a sea of victory blue, enjoying all that the block party provides. This event is a key aspect in making the VCS homecoming experience something that separates us from other schools. We take pride in this event and the unity within our community.  

Carnival rides from RCS at the block party (Candace Hunsaker/AZPreps365)

This year’s homecoming was especially unique due to the fact that on Wednesday the Valley Christian Community received news that Bourgade Catholic unfortunately had to forfeit the football game due to a lack of eligible players. Our Valley Christian Athletic Director, Greg Haagsma, tried his best to schedule a new game with a different team, calling programs from 2A-4A, but unfortunately there was not a high school team available to play.  

Subsequently, the administration met to come up with some creative ideas and alternate plans. Since homecoming is such a big event at Valley Christian, it was decided to give the junior high football team a chance to show their Trojan spirit and play in a big-time environment under the Friday Night Lights. A huge thanks to the Fountain Hills Falcons junior high program for their willingness to move the game, which was originally scheduled to be played on Saturday to Friday night.  

Captains from the junior high Trojan and Falcon squads meet at the 50 for the coin toss. (Candace Hunsaker/AZPreps365)

Instead of being disappointed about the game, the varsity players decided to enjoy the moment and focus on the once and a lifetime opportunity presented to the younger kids. It was an amazing opportunity for the Junior High team.  

Junior High player celebrating a big play with varisty player Adrian Vasquez (Candace Hunsaker/AZPreps365) 

Senior Calvin Gage shared his initial thoughts when he heard the news.

“I was sad when I first heard the news about the game getting canceled but looking back at it, it gave us an opportunity to cheer on the next generation of Valley Christian football.” 

Junior Hudson Picket added,

“having no homecoming game was tough for us players because we prepare so much for these games. But being able to cheer on the next generation of Valley football players was something special.”

Hudson was able to cheer on his younger brothers Jack (8th) and Jameson (7th). 

The Valley Christian community treated the game like a normal high school football game. The Blue Crew showed up, the Spiritline cheered, the Band played, and stands were packed as the community supported the junior high boys to their first victory of the season. Not only did Trojan football show out and support, but the community came together and did a great job making the junior high team feel special.  

 

The stands were packed with the Valley Christian community. (Candace Hunsaker/AZPreps365)

It was an electric game as the Trojan junior high football team scored their first touchdown of the season in front of a rowdy home crowd. To top that, after being down 12-20 with 2:00 remaining in the game, Valley Christian scored twice in the closing minutes to bring home a victory 28-20.  

The K-12 Trojan community all rushed the field in celebration. Blue Crew member Devin Morganfield (11) remembered, “I came in with low expectations for the night, but I was happy with how it ended up.” Senior Amelia Martinez expressed, “I think the signs we made for them made all the difference.” 

High School students in the Blue Crew showed up to cheer on the junior high football team despite their game getting canceled. (Candace Hunsaker/AZPreps365)This was a night that the Trojan community won’t soon forget. It was a prime example of what VCS Homecoming is all about, our community coming together to celebrate graduates, current students, and future generations.  

Senior Captain and Homecoming King Luke Snyder gives a pep talk to Jack Pickett (8th). (Candace Hunsaker/AZPreps265)

In the words of Head Junior High Football Coach Aaron Higginbotham, “this is my favorite football game I’ve ever been a part of.”  

Watch the highlights of this memorable homecoming game here: