MIDVALE, UT Why do more Hillcrest students pack the bleachers at football games than at basketball games? The answer might have more to do with school spirit, social fun, and tradition than just the sport itself.
Brayden Lloyd, a senior football captain at Hillcrest, shared why he thinks football has more attendance than basketball. “I think football is one of the most defining sports of high school,” Lloyd said. “It’s one of the most popular sports in the country. I don’t think it matters how good a team is. People just like going to the games and having fun.”
One reason football has school spirit is the excitement of Friday night lights and the enthusiasm it brings. Even at a school that doesn’t win many games, students enjoy coming to cheer and dress up, creating school spirit.
When Lloyd was asked what makes football more exciting than basketball he said “I think football games are hyped up more,” he explained. “If there was more incentive or attention forbasketball games, maybe more people would go.” Football is also deeply tied to school tradition. Some see it as a defining part of the high school experience and families show up to support the team and players . Compared to basketball, football games are promoted more because of the bigger band, longer half time performances and encourage students to wear a certain theme to the games.
As for Lloyd it’s not just about the sport it’s about the atmosphere “The overall vibe is more hype,” he said. “Even when I wasn’t playing varsity yet, I thought it was cool to see the stands full and everyone having fun. No matter how the game was going, people were always cheering.”