The 2023 Homecoming game, marked by the theme of a “White Out,” was a night to remember for both the players and the student body. Students wore white outfits to fit the theme. Their outfits got splattered in bright colors such as blue, green, yellow, and orange.
“I loved the theme and I think the outfits were very creative, it was simple and something everybody could find an outfit for,” Kandice Eastwood said.
Prior to the game, from 2 PM to 6 PM, the school’s basketball court was filled with booths set up by different clubs. Diamondbacks and their families came together for this grand pre-game event, which featured delicious food, music, and games. It was an excellent opportunity for the community to come together and build the anticipation for the game.
“Tailgate was extremely fun! The most memorable part was seeing everyone interact and support other clubs,” said Daniella Laus.
The halftime show was a spectacle in its own right, showcasing the talent and spirit of Desert Oasis High School. The highlight of the show was the Homecoming court nominees, who made their grand entrance on a float, adding an air of royalty to the evening. Additionally, various clubs (HOSA, DECA, STUCO, etc.) from the school proudly paraded on floats, displaying their club spirit. Desert Oasis color guard and the marching band took center stage, providing an exhilarating performance that energized the crowd.
“The halftime show was great and the marching band/color guard performance was very organized. It was really memorable and exciting,” Eastwood shared.
After the halftime show, the Diamondbacks returned to the field to finish the last 2 quarters. The game continued to be intense and thrilling, with both teams putting up a strong fight. From one of their quarterbacks, Vincent Hales, who completed 10 of 17 passes for 151 yards, maintaining an impressive 107.7 quarterback rating. Hales demonstrated both precision and leadership, connecting with his teammates for a touchdown. On the rushing front, Kacen Ono and Evan Corpus showcased their prowess, gaining 88 and 42 yards, respectively, with impressive average yards per carry. Their ground game was complemented by an excellent receiving performance, notably from Maverick Moore, who secured four receptions for 53 yards, including a touchdown. The team’s all-purpose yards amounted to a 292, reflecting their ability to make an impact in multiple facets of the game. With a well-rounded team effort, Desert Oasis celebrated a well-deserved victory with the final game score of 28-10.
