Behind the Friday Night Lights: Students Are The Ones Making Them Shine

Team manager Gauge Jones.

Peytin Manor, story and photos:
There is something electric about Friday night lights, especially in a small town. However, the excitement begins long before kickoff-- from the marching band rehearsing their final notes, to the cheerleaders perfecting their chants. 

ECHS football head coach, Justin Vessels stated, “High school football doesn’t start on the Friday of game one but begins with a year long preparation of the athletes, the game field, practice field, and equipment.” Coach Vessels referenced strength and conditioning going back to January, spring football, summer conditioning and practice, and preseason scrimmages.

Just as Vessels mentioned, preparation for a Friday night game began long before a Friday night kickoff; not only have the Wildcats been practicing Monday through Thursday, the players and manager Gauge Jones have assisted the coaching staff in field management, which includes painting the lines, setting out the pylons, pulling weeds, and placing goal pads onto the goal posts, all to ensure that the field is ready to showcase our Wildcat football team on Friday nights.

Gabriel DeArmond, senior tight end and defensive end, stated, “We go 110% in practice to be prepared for Friday night. We practice like we play.”

The Wildcats' offensive line in an earlier game this year.

An unsung hero of Edmonson County football is junior Gauge Jones. Gauge is a proud member of the Wildcat football team, working as the manager. His efforts may not be seen like a touchdown run or a game saving tackle but Gauge’s role in the team’s success starts with his careful preparation of plenty of water for the players at practice and in games. Gauge, in his three years as a manager, has become a right-hand man for the coaching staff to help the team be its most efficient every day. 

When asked what he enjoys most about being manager, Gauge wants everyone to know, “What makes it all so special is that I get to know the players, and I get to be on the side lines seeing the game first hand.”

ECHS Cheer team performs at an earlier game (ECHS Cheer).

Cheerleaders practice their routines including stunts, dances, and cheers.

ECHS sophomore cheerleader, Abbi Chidester, states, “We put a whole lot of hard work into what we do, and we take safety very seriously especially with stunts. A lot of us work really hard at practice to ensure we put on a good show for everyone and that we don’t mess up on our cheers or stunts. We strive to always give that big school spirit!”

On a Friday night, you may notice the cheerleaders' routine tying into the band’s performance of pep songs. During the game, the full pep band can be heard playing encouraging songs bringing players, fans, and the cheerleaders, all together with every touchdown, first down, or even turn over by our defense.

ECHS Pep Band.

Members of the ECHS Marching Band.

As halftime begins, the marching band becomes the show. Each Friday night we get a sample of their award-winning routine that has multiple first place finishes in band competitions. On October 17, 2025, the band will present their full routine of “Caliente” during the halftime show.

Sophomore woodwind from the ECHS marching band Teresa Lopez states, “We do extra rehearsals before the home football games since we get to perform our show during halftime. We want to put on a show that people will enjoy and do a good run that we feel proud of. We practice the National Anthem and some pep songs to help cheer on our team. But as a band, we always hope we can help cheer on the team! And as well as a thanks to the band parents who run concessions during the games!”

Band parents working the concession stand not only helps feed those in attendance at the ball games but also gives the band the needed financial support for its continued success.

We would like to say a special thank you to all of the involved parents of our students and our community sponsors that make each and every Friday night possible. Next time you come watch our Wildcats, sit back and think about the ones who truly make Friday night lights so magical!

Student reporter Peytin Manor is a junior at ECHS and also serves as the head camera tech for WildcatsLive.