The lights are glaring, the crowd is roaring and the Wildcats storm the field, adrenaline pumping.

This Friday night, Sept. 26, EHS is hosting an event providing disabled children the opportunity to feel what the football players feel every Friday night. 

“Kids with disabilities or special needs come and experience what it’s like to have their own ‘Friday Night Lights,'” Rachel Bultas, Golden Line captain, said.

Along with the Golden Line, other sports teams, such as the varsity football team and cheer, are helping with the event.

“Five cheerleaders will buddy up with five students, or participants,” Ms. Lindsey Mueller, varsity cheer coach, said. “They will teach them chants and help them with cheers throughout the night.”

EHS football players will teach the children how to play and work by there side as a real team.

“We all [varsity football] are going to be paired with children who have special needs and assist them in playing tag football,” Dylan Brems, varsity wide receiver, said. “We are going to give them a chance to play a true football game on a Friday night!”

All the money obtained from the event will go directly to the Make-A-Wish Foundation.

“Make-A-Wish is a St. Louis foundation, that is a non-profit organization,” Mrs. Denise Loseman, parent organizer, said. “They take donations. Any amount will get you through the door!”

Above all, the main goal of this event is to give back to the community.

“It’s not about us playing a game every Friday night,” Mr. Farrell Shelton, head football coach, said. “It’s that we are able to do something that’s bigger than us, about giving back to those who need it.”

Aside from benefiting a great cause, the event allows the football players, cheer and Golden Line all a chance to have a good time, without the regular Friday night pressure.

Friday Night Lights will be held at the stadium. 

Event Schedule:

• 5-6:15 p.m.: Registration/Pre-game Meal (participants and their families)
• 5:30 p.m.: Gates & concessions open to all
• 6:15 p.m.: Participants storm the field
• 6:30-6:50 p.m.L Game (ages 4-9)
• 6:50-7:00 p.m.: Halftime performances
• 7:00-7:20 p.m.: Game (ages 10-14)