Homecoming is an exciting time for every high schooler. The weather is cool, it’s spirit week on campus and of course the homecoming football game. Friday is the game and Saturday is the dance so every student is more excited than just an ordinary football game.

Homecoming can also be a stressful time for the school in terms of security and making sure everything is planned and thought out. Behind the scenes there is lots of work to be done for the game to go smoothly. Especially when the attendance will be higher.

Assistant principal/head of security Jennifer Burks knows what it takes to have a successful homecoming game.

“We had one of our largest crowds ever against Desert Vista for our home opener so we’re expecting at least that many people on our side,” said Burks. The attendance for the home opener? Well over 3,000.

A larger crowd like this needs larger security. Two extra guards will be added as well as an additional police officer.

With the team being 2-0 and striving for 3-0 the student section will be rowdy all night and Burks knows this.

“The student section will have three people and a police officer up basically in the stands, plus two or three of the administrators will be over on that end watching as well.”

Also there will be someone assigned to checking to make sure students don’t bring in inappropriate items such as backpacks, Polar Pop cups, soda or water bottles and food (including flour).

Campus security guard/coach Cedric Smith knows that teenagers like to get rowdy, especially when the team is successful.

“With success, you know, team playing well, just having a good time being between the ages of 15-17 years old, kids will get rowdier,” Smith said.

Smith explained that while he’s coaching he obviously can’t be worrying about security but he hears stories from his peers afterwards about what happened during the game. 

A homecoming game requires better security and planning due to the fact that it is a special event, and Perry seems to be on top of their game this year.