CAMBRIDGE — Graduates of Cambridge-South Dorchester High School returned to their alma mater on Friday, for the Vikings’ 2021 Homecoming Game. The result, a 53-0 win over Kent County, had …
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CAMBRIDGE — Graduates of Cambridge-South Dorchester High School returned to their alma mater on Friday, for the Vikings’ 2021 Homecoming Game. The result, a 53-0 win over Kent County, had the crowd cheering for the young men on the field, but there were also plenty of memories being made elsewhere in the stadium.
Homecoming King and Marching Vikings Drum Major Destin Green got the party started by leading the band onto the field, and then kept it going thoughout the evening with stirring tunes and his own show-stopping performances. He was joined in the halftime concert and in the crowning ceremony by Homecoming Queen and Majorette Sa’Mara Spriggs.
An enthusiastic students’ section kept the energy high in the bleachers, while C-SD’s cheerleaders brought their spirited performances to the track.
The Marching Vikings, with their majorettes and honor guard, rocked the stadium with precise routines, catchy tunes and irresistable rhythms from the drum line. Then at halftime, when the Homecoming Court was announced and the Athletic Hall of Fame inductees were introduced, Band Director Ray Washington brought a special guest to midfield.
It was Maestro Robert Batson, the much-loved and highly respected former band director. The crowd of hundreds came to their feet and roared their thanks in an extended, standing ovation for all that Mr. Batson gave to his students over the years.
“All of us fortunate enough to have had our lives influenced by Mr. B. love him!” Kirk Engle posted online. “A true, living legend.”
Hall of Fame induction
Sports legends were also honored — the night featured the induction of the 2020 Class of the C-SD Athletic Hall of Fame. The ceremony had been delayed by the pandemic.
But it took place on Friday, when alumni came back, some after traveling considerable distances, to enjoy memories of special moments.
Darryl Wilson posted online on Saturday, “Last night at the C-SD HS football homecoming where Cambridge came away with a win, I was inducted into the C-SD HS Hall of Fame, along with several great athletes, teams, and coaches. As an offensive and defensive lineman, it is hard to get recognized, but I want to thank the HOF committee, C-SD HS staff, former coaches and mentors for making this possible. Thanks [Athletic Director] Kareem Falcon Otey and [former football Head Coach] Doug Fleetwood for coordinating everything. Special thanks to all the family and friends that came out to support me — love y’all! Congratulations to all the inductees last night, you all deserve it, Tiquon Murry and Moe Woolford. And yes, I still have my 1987 bayside champions 10-0 season jacket!”
Traditions continue
One of the alumni who returned to enjoy the game with his family was Eric Masaracchia, a member of the Class of 1994. Known as a dominating presence on the offensive line, he was also a team leader, being twice chosen as a captain.
On Friday, he was spotted at the fence by the track, with his son Waylon perched beside him, taking in the sights and sounds of the game.
The image of the big man passing along the joy of sports to the little boy struck a chord in many, who were glad to know that lessons of family and community are being taught by C-SD grads to the next generation.
“This was a very special night for me because it was my 2-year-old son’s first game at Fleetwood Field at McWilliams Stadium. As a 1994 graduate of C-SDHS and two-year team captain, the stadium is a very special place to me. I could go on and on about my love and appreciation for Coach Doug Fleetwood Fleetwood and the Vikings’ football program, but for the sake of brevity will end by saying that I am who I am today because of them.”
Coach Fleetwood told Mr. Masaracchia, “Those we’re some great days! I truly miss Cambridge football and all the great people associated with it.”
Homecoming Court finalists
• Class of 2022: Brooke Blades and Dario Belizaire, Anna Hyde and Dre’Chan Dawson, Lilly Higdon and KJ Dockins, Millie Kenny and Jaden Evens, Maddie Levy and Ta’Yon Fletcher, Amani Newton and James Frazier, Zamiera Page and Destin Green, Sa’Mara Spriggs and JahKai Hall, Kei’Nizijah Stafford and Elijah Johnson, Luci Thomas and Jaden Jones, Emily Todd and Even Payne, Anna Turner and Austin Windsor.
• Class of 2023: Emma Knopp and Logan Dukes, Katelyn Masden and Zachary Gorsuch, Alexis Pete and Ryan Henry, Gretchen Richardson and Talan Middleton, Lydia Yates and Colin Webster.
• Class of 2024: Zy’Aye Bell and Tay’Mar Alexander, Tim’Mia Brown and Te’Shar Drummond, Layla Cephas and Aaron Evans, Kaleah Skinner and Jaden Ferguson, Kassidy Young and Luke Reinbold.
• Class of 2025: Isabelle Hughes and Darren Belizaire, A’Lajah Perryand Antonio Blueford, Le’Asia Todd and Te’Kai Drummond, Nia White and Anthony Hughes, Enazajah Young and Kimir Lake.
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