Friday night football games under the lights have always been a place for students to gather and share in the passion while making the memories that last long after we have gone on with our lives. The student section have always been a part of high school sports; however, it would appear recently the notion has become far more than a social gathering on a friday night.

Student sections across America take part in creative themes custom-made for each opponent with elaborate chants and mocking routines all in the name of school spirit while cheering on our team. Taking from the spirit and traditions originally set by colleges, high school student sections provide a fun and creative way for the student body to get involved in one’s school community.

In the aftermath of Perry’s major upset against archrival, Hamilton High School, many of us were left wondering what happened to our student section. By the end of the shocking 55-21 blowout, there were barely any students left in the stands at the end of game to sing the fight song along with our victorious team.

This season, the Pumas are currently ranked No. 4 in state. This is the team’s highest ranking in the history of the program. In years past it would make sense as to why our student section has never been very strong, after all it is hard to cheer for a team struggling to make it through another losing season. At 8-1, this will be the first winning season the Class of 17 will get to enjoy. However, it seems our student body has not caught the fever currently sweeping through the varsity football team as they march towards the playoffs.

There is a fine line between passion and disrespect. Feel free to cheer as loud as you want, but profanities thrown at opposing teams are never okay. Furthermore, themes for the football games serve the purpose of dressing to show support for the team, not an excuse to bend the dress code. Many students are under the impression that because the games take place after school hours the code is no longer in effect, however this is wrong. Dress code applies to all students on campus no matter the time of day. Lastly the social interactions taking place within the tight and oftentimes claustrophobic feeling student section are lots of fun, but let’s not forget what has brought us there.

In addition when the student section does pay attention to the game it is important to remember to orchestrate our chants and rallies in a way that respects both teams.

With one final game in the regular season and onto State Finals, now more than ever it is time to show our pride and represent in the student section while we cheer on another Puma victory.