Once a Scottie, Always a Scottie: Here’s to Helix High Football at My Alma Mater

I remember my first Helix football game. It was long before my freshmen year of high school, when I went with a neighbor of mine who had a daughter on the cheerleading squad.

This was during the time of Reggie Bush and Alex Smith. I remember how exciting it was to be around the cool kids in high school, and the energy at Benton Hart stadium was overwhelming for my 7-year-old self. 

Then for years I watched my sister walk out the front door with her friends, proudly sporting her Helix letterman jacket, and head out for another Friday night at the football game. I was so envious and anxious for when that would be me. 

Then I was finally a Scottie. For four years, Fridays meant meeting up with friends, grabbing dinner at the taco shop, then cheering on the Highlanders to yet another win. I loved everything about football games—the sound of the marching band playing the crowd favorite, We Want Fried Chicken, or standing in a huddle with your friends watching the Homecoming fireworks.

One of my favorite memories came in my senior year, at the Homecoming game. It was a good old-fashioned rivalry between Helix and Grossmont, who were both undefeated. The game got off to a bad start, with a sack on the quarterback. Grossmont’s cheering section put us to shame. For a minute. Then Helix came back to shut out Grossmont and we went crazy.

Football was one of our many sources of pride. No other school in the area could rival our team. Games brought together the community; the stands were filled with more than just students, but adults as well who had come to watch a really good game. 

Helix has proved that while they produced Bush and Smith, it was not their peak of success. Their consistency has led them to be known as the team to beat when it comes to football. Each year, there are new faces on the team that give it their all.

Despite not being physically present at Helix games any longer, my pride in those players is still as strong. I’ve started every Saturday by checking my phone for the outcome of the game the night before. If you asked me who my favorite football team was, I wouldn’t say the Chargers or even my college team, even though I like those teams. No, my favorite team plays at Helix. 

They’ve accomplished so much this season and are headed into two very important games. I have faith in them to make it to the CIF game at Qualcomm Stadium, and I would give anything to be in those seats watching them play.

I won't be able to, but I’ll be there in spirit, because once you’re a Scottie, you always are, and you’re always a Helix football fan. 

Here’s to the Helix football team. Good luck to you all. Go make us proud.