ELK GROVE, CA (MPG) - The night of its Sept. 5 game against Golden Valley High School, Elk Grove High’s Salute to Services night honored the United States Marine Corps.

A Marine Corps tent at the stadium entrance offered information about the Marines along with a pull-up contest. Spectators of any age could participate to try and win prizes like a lanyard, a water bottle or even a T-shirt. The more pull-ups, the better the prize.

 

Marine Tent for Information and Pull Up Contest 

The Thundering Herd also honored two Marines as honorary captains who walked out for the coin toss, as well as having a field flag display during the National Anthem.            

Not only that, Elk Grove honored the Marines by altering its uniforms. The iconic Elk Grove blue and gold now had a red accent to it, along with “Semper Fi” on the back of the uniforms.            

“Semper Fi,” the official motto for the Marine Corps, is a shortened version of “Semper Fidelis,” a Latin phrase that means “Always Faithful.”              

 

Two Marines Saluting Flag During National Anthem 

To the Marines that is not just a motto, it is a code of conduct and a way of life. It symbolizes the unwavering loyalty and commitment they have to the country and their fellow Marines, putting their lives on the line to protect our freedom as a country.        

Elk Grove honored the Marines with the theatrics they brought to the game. The athletes played this game as one unit going to war against someone with nothing but their brothers next to them, showing loyalty and commitment to the Thundering Herd.        

 

Elk Grove Home Stands 

Jumping to a quick 13-point lead in the first quarter against Golden Valley was just the start. The Herd was able to keep the pressure on and never let up, scoring five more touchdowns to end with a 55-19 victory.

This is Elk Grove’s first win of the season and brings its record to 1-2 after a tough one-point loss to Downey High School. After its bye week, Elk Grove will carry the momentum it built from the win into league play, facing the other high schools within Elk Grove. First up is Franklin High School on Friday, Sept. 19.