Bennington Celebrates Homecoming with 48-7 Badgers Win, Fireworks and Royal Crowning

6–9 minutes

By Marisa Dawson, Photos by Marisa Dawson & Jeff Douglas

A lineup of football players in blue uniforms standing on the field with their helmets off, preparing for a game.

A perfect season, a community-wide celebration and a little Homecoming magic made Friday night memorable for Bennington High School, as the Badgers rolled to a 48-7 victory over Omaha Bryan before a home crowd.

Bennington (now 7-0) continued its unbeaten run in dominant fashion, scoring 27 points in the first quarter and adding 14 more in the second to take a 41-0 lead into halftime. The Badgers added another touchdown in the fourth quarter while Bryan managed its only score late in the game.

But the football game was only part of the excitement, as students, alumni, families and fans gathered for a night filled with school spirit, Homecoming royalty, musical performances and a fireworks show that has become a beloved annual tradition.

Badgers dominate on the field

High school football team running onto the field through a paper banner, flanked by cheerleaders. The team wears blue uniforms and helmets, while cheerleaders wear white and blue outfits.
A high school football player in a blue uniform kicks a football on the field during a game, with teammates and spectators in the background.
A football player in a blue uniform, number 16, catches a pass during a game, with an opposing player in a white uniform nearby and an official observing the play.
High school football game action between the Badgers and an opposing team, featuring players in blue and white uniforms tackling a player in black and gold.
A high school football game scene showing a player in blue jersey number 12 running with the ball while being pursued by defenders in black and gold uniforms on a well-lit field.
Two football players in blue jerseys celebrate after a successful catch, while players in white and gold watch from the foreground.
A youth football game in progress, featuring two teams. One player in a blue jersey is running with the ball, while two opponents in black and white jerseys attempt to tackle him.
A football player in a blue jersey with the number 20 is running with the ball on the field, evading two defenders in white and gold uniforms.
A high school football game featuring two teams, with a player in a blue uniform tackling an opponent in a white uniform who is attempting to recover a loose football on the field.
A football player in a blue uniform with the number 16 dodges an opponent in a gold and black uniform on a football field.
A football player wearing a blue uniform with the word 'BADGERS' running with the ball during a game, while another player in the background attempts to tackle.
A high school football game scene featuring a player in a blue jersey preparing to kick while another player in the same team holds the ball. An opposing player in a white and gold jersey is evading a defender in the background as he runs with the football.
A high school football game in progress, featuring players in blue and gold uniforms engaging in a tackle. One player wearing blue number 81 is attempting to break free while facing off against opponents in white and gold helmets.
A young football player in a blue uniform prepares to throw the ball while another player stands ready nearby, during a game at night.
A football player in a blue uniform, number 48, running on a field at night with the football in hand.
A football player in a blue uniform is tackling an opponent wearing a gold helmet during a game on a field. Other players are visible in the background.
A large crowd of high school students gathered at a sports event, wearing various team jerseys and school colors, with a banner reading 'DOWN, SET, HOMECOMING' prominently displayed.
A football player in a white jersey with green accents is dropping the ball while being tackled from behind by an opponent in a blue jersey. The background shows other players on the field and a scoreboard.
A high school football game in progress at dusk, with a player in blue uniform (#86) preparing to kick a field goal while another player in green (#11) runs towards him. A crowd is visible in the background.
A high school football game scene with players in blue and white uniforms, one player running with the ball while being approached by a defender in green and white. Teammates are visible in the background.
A football player in a blue uniform evading a tackle from an opponent in a white and gold uniform on a grass football field during a night game.
Football coach signaling with a raised fist on the sidelines during a night game, with a game clock displaying 39 seconds.
Two football teams lined up on the field, one in blue jerseys and the other in white and gold. Players are in a ready stance, preparing for the snap.
A high school football game with players wearing blue uniforms. One player, number 25, is preparing to receive a handoff from the quarterback, number 10, who is in the process of passing the ball.
A high school football player in a blue uniform, number 86, executing a kick on a field during a night game, with spectators in the background.
A football player in black and gold is being tackled by a player in blue during a night game on a football field.
A dynamic football scene featuring players in blue jerseys from the Badgers team tackling an opponent in a white jersey during a night game.

Running back William Gutz (pictured below) powered the offense with 128 yards and four touchdowns on just nine carries. Starting quarterback Ty Bouaphakeo was perfect through the air, completing all five of his passes for 54 yards, while backup Mason Bluhm also went a perfect 3-for-3 for 79 yards and a touchdown in limited action.

A football player in a blue jersey with the number 20 runs with the ball on the field, while players in black and gold chase from behind.
Two football players in blue uniforms celebrate on the field, one is jumping with a football raised in the air while the other is giving a high five.

Mason Mostek added a pair of rushing touchdowns on just five carries for 71 yards, while Declan Smith hauled in four receptions for 86 yards and a score. Kicker Jake Crawford converted the extra points to help round out the Badgers’ 48-point total.

Two football players in blue uniforms executing a play on a field under stadium lights, with a referee and cheerleaders in the background.
Ty Bouaphakeo hands the ball off to Mason Mostek.

The lopsided victory also gave younger players valuable opportunities to gain experience. Head coach Kam Lenhart said injuries sustained the previous week and during practice opened the door for other players to step up.

“We had some people suffer injuries last week and throughout the practices, but that just meant it was another opportunity for young guys to step up and I thought they did really well,” Lenhart said.

Lenhart also saw encouraging signs of progress across the team, pointing to the offense’s fast start and the defense’s ability to adjust throughout the game.

A high school football game in progress, featuring players in blue and gold uniforms engaged in a tackle on the field.
Demarcus Perkins and Cohen Detjens record a sack.

“Just the fact that we seem to take steps to get better in every aspect of the game. I thought offense looked really, really good right off the bat. Defense had some adjustments they had to make and did that really well. And then that first group did really well as well,” Lenhart emphasized.

With the regular season entering its final stretch, Lenhart said the team remains focused on improving each week rather than getting caught up in its undefeated record.

“I think the biggest thing is we just don’t worry about it. Next week is going to be the next opponent. That’s all we’re going to focus on. The record is awesome, but at the end of the day, we have to take care of the week ahead of us.”

A high school football game scene, featuring a player in blue uniform attempting to evade a tackle from a player in white uniform, while other players from both teams are engaged in the background.
Knox Naughton
A football player in blue and white jersey number 25 runs down the field while being pursued by opponents in black and white jerseys during a night game.
Jacob Workman

Homecoming brings alumni together

Friday’s festivities began before kickoff with the annual Bennington Public Schools Foundation Alumni tailgate, welcoming graduates from every class back to the school community.

A young man in a blue shirt is speaking with two women at a registration table for an alumni event, while a few cars are parked in the background.
Three women at a table promoting the Bennington Public Schools Alumni Network at an outdoor event, with informational materials displayed.
L to R: Miriam Sukraw, Annette Kay, and Nancy Mohr welcomed alumni to the event.

Alumni were offered free admission to the game and an opportunity to reconnect with former classmates and other graduates before heading into the stadium. Alumni representatives were also stationed at the ticket booth to welcome returning graduates and share information about the foundation’s alumni network.

The network aims to help former students stay connected with one another and their schools. Alumni are encouraged to sign up and submit their information to help expand the searchable database, making it easier for graduates to find one another and maintain connections across graduating classes.

The gathering added another layer to a night centered on school pride, bringing together generations of Badgers to celebrate the community they share.

A group of cheerleaders in matching uniforms with blue and white patterns, holding pom-poms and performing a routine on a sports field.
Cheerleaders performing in front of a large crowd at a football stadium during sunset.
Cheerleaders holding a large banner that reads 'THE JERSEY YOU WISH YOU COULD WEAR' at a sports event.
A group of cheerleaders in matching uniforms performs on a track during a night event, holding pom-poms and displaying synchronized movements.
A cheerleader being tossed into the air by a group of teammates during a night performance, with a blue track visible in the background.

Inside the stadium, Bennington cheerleaders kept the energy high throughout the game, helping lead the crowd in support of the undefeated team.

A group of cheerleaders performing at a football game under the night sky, wearing blue and white uniforms with pom poms.
Cheerleaders performing on a football field, wearing blue and white uniforms, and dancing with pom-poms.
A group of five cheerleaders performing on a football field at night, wearing white jerseys with blue accents and pom-poms.
Two cheerleaders performing on a football field at night, one is energetically cheering with pom-poms and smiling, while the other is also in motion.
A group of cheerleaders performing energetically on a football field at night, wearing sporty outfits and holding pom-poms.
A group of cheerleaders performing a routine on a football field at night, wearing matching uniforms and pom poms.
A group of cheerleaders wearing sports jerseys and shorts perform on a football field at night, smiling and holding pom-poms.

The BHS dance team took the field for a halftime performance before the Bennington High School band presented its full show, titled “Shattered.” Band soloists Daxton Zappia, on flute, and Sterling Sharp, on trumpet, were featured in the presentation (both pictured below).

A football player in a blue jersey with the number 84 plays a trumpet while standing next to a marching band member in a black and blue uniform, also playing a trumpet.
A young male marching band conductor stands on a platform, wearing a white uniform and gloves, with a focused expression. Another band member is visible in the background, also in uniform.
A performer in a colorful costume is joyfully waving a flag during a field show, showing expressive facial gestures.
A member of a marching band playing the clarinet, wearing a blue and black uniform with a tall hat and a blue plume, performing on a sports field at night.
A group of musicians in blue and black uniforms performing on a football field. One musician plays a keyboard while another plays drums, with a focused expression. A young woman in glasses observes the performance.
A group of performers in colorful costumes dancing on a football field, holding geometric props while a marching band is visible in the background.
A marching band performing on a field at night, with members dressed in blue and black uniforms, playing flutes and clarinets.
A marching band saxophonist wearing a blue and black uniform with a feathered hat, performing on a football field at night.
Two young musicians in band uniforms are performing on stage. One musician plays a drum while the other holds a mallet, focused on the performance.
A young musician wearing a marching band uniform plays a flute on a football field, surrounded by fellow band members in various uniforms, including a saxophonist and performers with flags.
A female percussionist in a blue uniform plays a marimba while other musicians perform in the background on a football field at night.
A group of band members in blue and black uniforms performing on a field. One musician is playing the flute while others play different instruments in the background, highlighting their coordinated attire and focus during the performance.
A group of marching band members in blue and black uniforms, standing on a football field at night. The focus is on a drummer wearing a hat and holding a set of white drums.
A marching band performing on a field at night, featuring a musician playing the trombone, dressed in a black and blue uniform with feathers on the hat, accompanied by other band members.
A marching band performs on a field at night, featuring musicians in black uniforms with blue accents and plumes, playing drums and cymbals.
A group of marching band members in blue and black uniforms perform on a football field at night, with a focus on several flutists playing their instruments. Colorful backdrops can be seen in the background.

Gutz and Sukraw crowned Homecoming king and queen

One of the night’s highlights came with the announcement of the 2026 Homecoming royalty.

Group of students in athletic and cheerleading uniforms posing on a football field during a night event, some holding flowers and wearing sashes.
A male football player in a blue jersey with the number 12 stands next to a female wearing blue and white striped pants, holding a bouquet. Both are smiling on a football field at night.
Ty Bouaphakeo & Mazlyn Cornett
Two high school students posing on a football field during homecoming festivities. The male student is wearing a black jersey with the number 35 and a 'Homecoming Rep' sash, while the female student is in a sparkly blue cheerleading outfit with a 'Homecoming' sash, holding a flower bouquet.
Kyler Bryant & Lola Coyle
A young man wearing a band uniform and a sash walks arm in arm with a young woman dressed in a jersey, both smiling during a homecoming event on a football field.
Prise Yates & Katherine Sukraw
A male high school football player in a blue uniform with the number 20, wearing a sash, walks alongside a female cheerleader in a white outfit, also wearing a sash, both smiling on a football field at night.
Will Gutz & Kylee McCrillis

The court included Mazlyn Cornett, Lola Coyle, Kylee McCrillis, Katherine Sukraw, Ty Bouaphakeo, Kyler Bryant, William Gutz and Prise Yates (all pictured above). Gutz and Sukraw were crowned king and queen, respectively.

For Gutz, the honor was both surprising and meaningful. He said being selected reflects the way others view a person’s character and treatment of those around them.

“I feel like it just shows that you’re well respected, that you treat others nicely, and that you are recognized for being a good individual,” Gutz said.

A football player in a blue jersey receiving a crown during a ceremony, smiling at a girl who is placing the crown on his head, with other students and cheerleaders nearby.

When his name was announced, he admitted he was caught off guard, especially given the strength of the other candidates.

“I was kind of a little bit shocked… There’s a lot of really tough candidates up here, a lot of really good kids.”

A young male football player wearing a blue jersey with 'Badgers' printed on it and a homecoming sash, waving to the crowd during a celebration, with a female student holding flowers next to him.

Despite the surprise, Gutz said it was a great honor to be named king. Asked what message he wanted to share with the school and community, he kept it simple.

“Be kind to everyone. Treat each other with respect,” he emphasized.

Sukraw shared a similar sense of surprise when she heard her name announced. She said she was grateful for the support she has received from the high school community and emphasized that the recognition meant more than simply wearing a crown.

A young woman wearing a tiara and holding a bouquet of flowers smiles as she is crowned at a football field during a night event.

“I was kind of shocked as well. Like Will said, there were a lot of really amazing candidates this year, and I’m just super, super grateful for all the support that the high school has given us and the whole school,” she said.

For Sukraw, the honor was a reflection of the relationships she has built and the kindness she strives to show others.

“I think that it means that everyone really has been respecting everyone, and they all think that I’m super sweet and kind. And I think that’s such an amazing accomplishment that I can share with my friends and family.”

When asked what message she hoped to leave with the school and community, Sukraw offered a concise reminder that fit the spirit of the evening.

“Hashtag be Badger kind,” she said with a smile.

A girl crowned as Homecoming Queen wearing a sash and holding flowers, stands beside a boy crowned as Homecoming King in a football uniform, both smiling on a football field at night.
Katherine Sukraw & Will Gutz were crowned Homecoming Queen & King.

Together, the king and queen’s messages underscored a theme that extended beyond the football field: school pride is about how students treat one another just as much as it is about what they accomplish.

Fireworks light up the night

A vibrant display of fireworks lighting up the night sky, with bursts of color and sparkling effects, above a crowd of spectators sitting on the ground.

After the final whistle, the celebration continued with a fireworks display that drew spectators from the stands onto the football field.

The show was led by Bennington High School vocal music teacher Tye Hanke, who operates Independence Pyro Company. As the stadium lights went dark, the crowd gathered on the field to watch a choreographed display set to several songs playing over the stadium speakers.

A crowd watching a nighttime display of explosions with flames and smoke in the background, featuring a football goalpost.
A crowd watching a vibrant fireworks display at night, with colorful sparks illuminating the dark sky.

The show featured a variety of fireworks, including carefully timed fireballs, creating a series of coordinated visual effects that brought the Homecoming celebration to a dramatic close.

Fireworks also marked each of Bennington’s touchdowns during the game, giving the crowd another reason to celebrate as the Badgers continued to build their lead.

A vibrant fireworks display lighting up the night sky above a large crowd of spectators sitting on a field.
A vibrant fireworks display lighting up the night sky, with colorful sparks and trails against a dark background, while a large audience watches from below.

The postgame display has become a familiar and much-anticipated tradition, offering students, alumni and families a chance to gather together after the game and enjoy one last shared moment before heading home.

Undefeated Badgers look ahead

While Homecoming provided plenty of reasons to celebrate, Bennington’s season is far from over. The Badgers will travel to Standing Bear this Friday for another matchup as they continue working toward their goals for the season. 

For Lenhart and his team, the message remains straightforward: enjoy the accomplishments, keep improving and focus on the next opponent. With a 7-0 record, a community rallying behind them and another week of football ahead, the Badgers will look to carry Friday night’s momentum into the final stretch of the regular season.

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