Members of the Escalon High School Associated Student Body leadership class have been hard at work, getting ready for Fall Homecoming 2026, with activities throughout the week and the crowning of the Homecoming Queen set for Friday night, Sept. 25.
That’s also the night the varsity football Cougars will start their Trans-Valley League schedule, welcoming Ripon Christian to town for a 7 p.m. kickoff.
First, though, with the theme of “In a World of Pure Imagination” inspired by Willy Wonka, students are taking part in contests to try and earn ‘Golden Tickets’ and enjoying dress up days ranging from Oompah Loompa wear to Violet’s Experiment, dressing up in lab coats or as a mad scientist.
“It’s fun,” ASB treasurer Riley Miranda said of planning for the week. “We’re trying our best to make it as fun as possible for everyone.”
Vice president Jose Aguirre-Cano added that there is a lot to coordinate for Homecoming.
“But I’ve got a great team behind me,” he said.
ASB President Dominic Rissetto said making sure the community gets involved is key to the success of Homecoming as well.
“The biggest thing is we have to incorporate our whole community,” Rissetto pointed out. “We have our elementary schools and middle school doing floats for the parade and I feel that we need to get the high school together and have good spirit too.”
He said having Homecoming nominations – for all four class levels – adds a new excitement, with the underclassmen honors announced during the week for the junior class Princess, sophomore class Duchess and freshman class Lady In Waiting.
Homecoming Queen candidates are, in alphabetical order, Payton Abbott, Elizabeth Castro, Leigh Garside, Aniston Hunt, and Miroslava Torres, and one will receive the crown at halftime of Friday night’s varsity football game.
“The parade is always a big thing,” Rissetto continued. “Families come out, even if their kids aren’t in the parade, they come and watch.”
The parade is set for 2:30 p.m. Friday afternoon, downtown, and Keith Powell will serve as this year’s Grand Marshal, honored for his continued commitment to and support of the school district.
In terms of the game action, the JV Cougars will take the field for a 5 p.m. kickoff, with the varsity game due to start at 7 p.m.
“Our job is to win,” varsity head coach Andrew Beam said.
Escalon started their preseason schedule with three home games, then went on a long road trip to Reno, where they defeated Damonte Ranch by a 20-19 final on Sept. 18.
“I think that we’re excited to be back home,” Beam said.
Ripon Christian played to a 4-0 preseason record; Escalon went 2-2.
“They smacked us around last year,” the coach noted, “but we are excited to start TVL play and get this thing going.”
