The Black and White

by Sophie Henner

Monday, October 20th, marked a special evening for the Pilgrim Boys Soccer team, as they hosted their annual Senior Night at Warwick Vets Middle School. This year’s event carried particular significance as it served as a tribute to the late Mr. Almeida, a former physical education teacher at Vets, as well as a beloved figure within the Pilgrim community. Players and fans united in wearing blue to honor his memory and legacy. The night’s game against Tollgate was more than just a competition; it was a celebration of the seniors’ achievements and a moment to honor a man who had deeply impacted the lives of many.

Prior to the beginning of the match, a heartfelt ceremony took place, honoring the team’s seniors. Each player’s name was called, and they walked onto the field accompanied by their families, marking a significant milestone in their lives. Senior night allows these players to look back on their high school experiences and accomplishments before starting a new chapter. When asked about his time spent on the soccer team, senior captain, Jackson Bromage, stated that “it has been an honor to play on this team during high school.”  

The game itself was very competitive. Tollgate came out aggressively, scoring two goals in the first half and putting Pilgrim in a challenging position. However, the team demonstrated resilience and was able to rebound. Led by Jackson Bromage and Gabe Holland, Pilgrim was able to score two more goals, leveling out the score between the two rivals. Despite their relentless efforts, neither team could secure a winning goal, and the game ended in a 2-2 draw. While the tie left the teams even on the scoreboard, the night’s true significance lay in the celebration of the Pilgrim Boys Soccer community, along with the remembrance of Mr. Almeida.