Although Homecoming is surrounded by a lot of school events and hype, it all revolved around one thing: Friday night’s football game.

The Devils came out looking strong with a convincing first half of football. Between seniors Dylan Rosu and Ben Bevan, who were both able to reach the endzone on the ground, the Devil’s offense appeared to be firing on all cylinders. On top of that, their defense was able to keep Millville’s dangerous duo of backs out of the endzone.

However, Millville came out looking like a team possesed in the second half as they were able to score 28 unawsered points.

Among these scores was an interception returned 86 yards by the 6′ 3″, 270 lb Antoine White. White’s interception couldn’t have come at a more oppurtune time as the Blue Devil’s were leading 14-7 in the fourth quarter and getting ready to add another score as they were on Millville’s 11 yard line. Millville then scored on their next two possesions which gave them control of the game. Hammonton didn’t give up though, as they were able to score on a touchdown pass to junior Dylan Mento.

Despite their disappointment, members of the Blue Devils acknowledged the loss with fairness.

“They were a good team and we just didn’t execute the way we planned. Our defense can’t let up that many points,” said senior Brian Siligato.

This was especially tough for players and fans because a win would have guaranteed a home field advantage through the playoffs.

Disappointed fans began filtering out as Millville took a knee as the final seconds ticked off the clock.

“I’m not gonna lie. I thought we had this game. Especially since we were home and it was our homecoming game,” said senior Giovanny Rodriguez.

The Blue Devils have managed to win every home game for the last two years now.  However, this loss solidifies Hammonton as the 3 seed in the Group 4 playoffs, which means that they will be facing the 6 seeded Shawnee at home on Friday.

Although Hammonton has failed to beat Shawnee each of the three times these teams have met, players anticipate a good game.

“The past is the past, and we’re looking at a matchup this week against a tough Shawnee team. We believe we matchup well with them and that we have a good shot at winning the game,” said junior Gary Deanley.