It’s a tradition that cycles with the wheel of time: high school students trying to get the better of their predecessors, no matter the event or competition. 

Rather than try to best a senior prank or create a goofy tradition, the football and cheer teams at Thornton’s Horizon High School strive for something else. They work to one-up the “Horizon Heroes” game from the year before. 

For the past six years, the Hawks have hosted children and adults with disabilities for a day of football. Participants, aged 7 to 25, practice skill-building, teamwork and competition (with no shortage of fun). The seventh annual game will be held on Aug. 5 at 6 p.m. at the school’s stadium. 

“Last year, these boys were already talking about what they were going to do this year, how they were going to make an impact, who they wanted to work with next year,” said Melissa Clark, one of the organizers of the event. “We have a lot of participants that come back every year. And, these boys (and girls) create a longlasting bond with the participants that come.” 

Clark, as well as event co-host Kristi DeLacy, got involved last year as “freshmen moms” for the football team. They came back because they were awed by the immense, positive impact of the event, Clark said. 

Both the football team and cheer squads help put on the event. Clark said the student athletes love passing on what they’ve learned by joining school sports activities. Participants can choose to play football or help bring the spirit on the sidelines. 

“To see them be able to take what their coaches have taught them, and create a minimal version of it, because they’re teaching it in such a small amount of time, and being able to create a team environment that quickly, they love it,” Clark said. 

The juniors are always striving to do better in practice so they can get a shot at a spot in the event. As a rule, the better teammate and leader you are, the better opportunities you’ll have to contribute, Clark said. 

“We do a one-on-one, so we team one boy with one participant, and then we have the defense,” Clark said. “And that’s all determined by how they practice throughout the summer, and it has a lot to do with their teamwork. Also, are they a leader for the rest of their guys? Because they have to go out and lead the participation team as well.” 

There’s a lot of pressure on the football team this year considering last year’s class set a high bar as they were “larger than life” in the eyes of the participants, some who are returning this year, Clark said. 

But it’s not all about football. The cheer team also shares what they’ve learned and help show the participants the work they do on the sideline, keeping the energy, and team morale, high. 

Plus, this year the school’s marching band and color guard will attend as well, ensuring an unforgettable experience for all those involved whether player, cheerleader or participant. Add in the fans in the stands, and the environment is sure to bring the energy of a regular season showdown. 

When Clark was growing up, her best friend's family worked with individuals with special needs. She called them her family. They would all share the dinner table and spend a lot of time together, Clark said. 

Now, being in that world in a new way, and being able to give back, is every bit as rewarding as she hoped. 

“[Growing up] we didn't really have a lot of events to do outside of just other adults with special needs, or a closed off item that their group did,” Clark said. “Seeing kids and young adults being able to participate in something that they don’t get to participate in, and seeing that side-by-side interaction with such a wholesome group of boys, it’s awesome to watch and see.” 

To register for the Aug. 5 event, visit this link. Despite the date on the form, late registrations are still being accepted.