FOLSOM – The spirit of homecoming came to life at Vista del Lago High School on Friday night, where a week of tradition and community celebration built toward the moment so many were waiting for: the revealing of the 2025 Homecoming King and Queen. The packed stadium was bursting with energy as the halftime ceremonies became the centerpiece of the night, adding pageantry and anticipation to the already electric atmosphere as the Eagles were already trouncing Christian Brothers before the half.
The halftime ceremonies brought the homecoming court onto the field side stage, each member of this year’s royal court was then escorted with pride by their parents up on the stage as they were each announced. With every announcement, the crowd grew louder, classmates cheered from the stands, and the student section continued to roar complete with blue smoke rising from the stand.. It was a touching reminder that homecoming here is as much about family , friends and community as it is about student life, with the court representing the heart of the senior class and the entire student body.
The anticipation built until the moment finally arrived. Just as the scoreboard showed it was nearly time for the second half to begin, the big reveal was made. Cheers erupted as Jeannah Gozun was crowned the 2025 Homecoming Queen, followed moments later by another ovation when Neel Duttagupta was named the 2025 Homecoming King. The two took their place together at center stage, smiling and waving to the crowd as classmates, families, and alumni joined in the celebration.
What made the moment even more special was the way the entire stadium shared in it. Families crowded the fence line to capture photos and video, the cheerleaders rallied on the sidelines, and students waved their banners and led chants that echoed through the bleachers. It was a celebration of tradition and pride that carried beyond the football field, connecting students with alumni and neighbors who returned to share in a night that symbolized Folsom’s strong sense of community.
Friday night’s crowning was the culmination of a week filled with Eagle pride. On Wednesday evening, Vista’s annual Homecoming Parade drew families and neighbors to line Golf Links Drive, where each class showcased its floats for the year. The parade included not only the floats but also the wide range of Vista’s student athletes and groups — from Flag Football to Volleyball, Cross Country, Wrestling, and more — turning the street into a rolling display of school spirit. The parade and rally helped set the stage for Friday’s halftime coronation, tying the week of tradition together into one powerful celebration.
Vista del Lago celebrates Homecoming with a decisive win
While the ceremonies lit up halftime, the Eagles gave their fans another reason to cheer with a commanding performance on the field. Vista del Lago delivered the perfect Homecoming gift, blending explosive offense, stingy defense, and plenty of momentum in a 50-22 victory over Christian Brothers.
Christian Chavez ignited the scoring early in the first quarter. Starting deep in their own territory, the Eagles marched into Falcon territory before Chavez unleashed a 47-yard strike to Luke Roberts for the game’s first touchdown. After Joseph Ahola’s extra point and a defensive safety on the ensuing series, Vista quickly built a 9-0 lead. Christian Brothers managed an interception late in the quarter, but Vista’s defense held firm, forcing a turnover on downs to close out the first frame with momentum fully on the home side.
The second quarter belonged to Vista’s playmakers. Chavez delivered the highlight of the night with a 95-yard touchdown pass to Kyle Cromwell, electrifying the stadium and pushing the score to 16-0. Minutes later, Lucas Hromanik pounced on a Christian Brothers fumble, setting up a short field. Chavez wasted no time, finding Cael Rens in the end zone from five yards out. After another PAT, Vista extended its advantage to 23-0. The onslaught continued before halftime when Jack Cromwell broke loose for a 55-yard touchdown run, powering the Eagles into the break with a commanding 29-0 cushion.
Christian Brothers showed life coming out of halftime. Quarterback Deakon Holden hit Gunnar Marsh on a 60-yard touchdown to break the shutout midway through the third quarter. But despite forcing a Vista fumble earlier in the period, the Falcons couldn’t sustain momentum, trading punts and miscues as Vista held firm on defense. The score remained 29-7 heading into the fourth, keeping the Eagles in control.
The final quarter turned into a showcase of Vista’s offensive balance. Christian Brothers briefly closed the gap to 29-14 on another Holden-to-Marsh connection, this time from 35 yards. But Vista responded instantly. Jack Cromwell barreled in from six yards out to restore a three-score lead. Moments later, Jack Gibbons intercepted a Falcon pass and returned it deep into Christian Brothers territory, setting up Cromwell’s second touchdown run of the night from a yard out. The sequence silenced any comeback hopes, and after Ahola’s kicks, Vista had blown it open at 43-14.
Still pressing, the Eagles capped their scoring barrage when Chavez threw his fourth touchdown of the night — a 15-yard strike to Rens, who notched his second score of the game. That pushed Vista’s total to an even 50. Christian Brothers managed a late rushing touchdown and a two-point conversion in the final minute, but the outcome was long decided as Vista’s players celebrated the program’s latest Homecoming triumph.
Vista’s defense forced multiple turnovers, including two fumble recoveries and a key interception, while the offense lit up the scoreboard with big plays through the air and on the ground. The night doubled as a celebration for the students and alumni who packed the stands, highlighted by the coronation of the Homecoming court before the Eagles closed out their emphatic win.
The victory pushes Vista del Lago forward in league play with renewed momentum and confidence. More importantly, it capped a Homecoming night full of pride, tradition, and high-energy football, one that ended with the scoreboard reading: Vista del Lago 50, Christian Brothers 22. Vista will now turn its attention to another league test next week, hosting Inderkum on Friday, October 3, at 7:15 p.m. The Tigers enter the contest with a 4-1 record and will provide a significant challenge, giving the Eagles an opportunity to measure their progress after Friday’s explosive Homecoming performance.
