Evanston Township High School students celebrated homecoming 2022 with a football victory on Friday night at Lazier Field followed by a dance Saturday in the Willie Mae Field House.
It was the first homecoming dance held indoors in three years.
Jaiden Francis and Meryl Plant were named homecoming royalty in a vote of ETHS seniors, and they along with their homecoming court were recognized at halftime of the Friday night football game.
The Wildkits went on to shut out Niles West 31-0, ending a four-game losing skid. With the win, Evanston’s record improved to 2-4 overall and 1-1 in league play.
On Saturday, the theme for the homecoming dance was “Glow in the Dark” and hundreds of students wore glow necklaces and lights at the event, which continued until 10 p.m. at the field house.
Here is look at both Friday and Saturday night at ETHS, starting with Friday’s football game, thanks to photographer Saul Lieberman.
Damarion Timberlake is tackled near the sideline in the first quarter. Credit: Saul Lieberman 
Boaz Lieberman catches a pass for an 18-yard touchdown for the first score. Credit: Saul Lieberman 
Evan Siegel (7) kicks a 38-yard field goal to give the Wildkits a 10-0 lead. Credit: Saul Lieberman 
It was a night of cheering from Wildkit fans at the homecoming game. Credit: Saul Lieberman 
Quarterback Dylan Groff scores in the second quarter. He also threw three touchdown passes. Credit: Saul Lieberman 
The Wildkit defense was strong, giving up 126 yards. Caleb Lieberman (42) and many teammates stop Niles West. Credit: Saul Lieberman 
Wide receiver Preston Brown scores on a 54-yard pass play in the third quarter. Credit: Saul Lieberman 
Feeling like champs after the 31-0 victory, the Wildkits celebrate on the field. The game ended the team’s four-game losing streak. Credit: Saul Lieberman
And here, some of the team heads home after a Friday night win under the lights.
Of course, we also have a look at Saturday’s dance, thanks to RoundTable photographer Richard Cahan. Clearly, these students are glowing in the dark! (Yes, that was the theme this year – the first in-person Homecoming dance in three years.)
Students crowd into the Willie Mae Field House at ETHS. Credit: Richard Cahan 
Avaea Thomas (left) and Brandon Vo were among the first to arrive. Credit: Richard Cahan 
Stage lights and glow lights mix. Said one dancer, “It’s electric.” Credit: Richard Cahan 
Sophomore Roan Christianson came to the prom with a school paraprofessional. It was the first after-school event Roan has attended without his parents. “He had fun,” said stepmom Katie Dunlap. Credit: Richard Cahan 
“We’re here to party.” Freshmen Grace Jorgensen (from left), Olivia Tankevicius, Julia Hollenbeck and Elliot Hoffner are all smiles. Credit: Richard Cahan 
It’s selfie time on the dance floor. Credit: Richard Cahan 
“Glow in the Dark” was the theme of this year’s Homecoming Dance.
Editor’s note: This story has updated to correct the spelling of Damarion Timberlake’s first name.