LINDEN PUBLIC SCHOOLS, NJ -- It was Homecoming in every sense of the word: a 34-0 gridiron victory that set the scoreboard ablaze, yes โ but more importantly, a vibrant celebration fueled by city leaders, alumni, PTA volunteers, first responders, families, cheerleaders, marching band, dancers, staff, and students who packed the stands with pride. From the opening whistle to the halftime crowning of royalty, the night pulsed with spirit, connection, and the kind of unity that makes Linden roar.
A Fast Start and a Fierce Finish
On a crisp autumn evening (Oct.10), the Tigers wasted no time claiming their turf. From the opening kickoff at 7 PM, the home team set the tone with a 20-yard touchdown run on their very first possession, sending the crowd into a frenzy. Fueled by a defense that locked down every inch of turf and an offense that, though not high-octane, was steady enough to keep the chains moving and the scoreboard ticking, Linden built a 16-0 lead by halftime.
By the end of the game, the Tigers had shut out Perth Amboy 34-0, improving to 2-5 overall and 1-2 in the Big Central - Liberty Gold division. It was a hard-earned win โ one that came after two heartbreakers: a narrow 27-20 loss to Woodbridge and a double-overtime thriller at Montgomery that slipped away 22-16.
โEach and every week, weโve gotten better,โ said first-year Head Coach Mark Ciccotelli after the win. โThereโs no quit in these kids. Thereโs a lot of character in this team, in this city. We had the best week of practice weโve had all year, and tonight, we executed exactly what we drilled. I couldnโt be more proud.โ
From Gridiron to Grand Stage
As the team sprinted into the locker room at halftime, Tiger Stadium didnโt take a breath โ it only shifted gears. Midfield transformed into a dazzling stage, kicking off with a show-stopping routine by the LHS Dance Company, joined by tiny dancers from the Linden Recreation Department, all dressed in sleek black. Choreographed by Coach Chafonda Colvin, the performance brought the crowd to its feet โ a heartwarming display of talent, unity, and Tiger pride across generations.
Next came the Linden High School marching band which delivered a crowd-pleasing halftime performance, blending smooth, melodic arrangements with steady percussion and spirited coordination.
Royalty and Respect
Then came the highlight of halftime: the crowning of the 2025 Homecoming King and Queen, an elegant and emotional moment that blended pageantry with pure Linden joy. The student body had cast their votes earlier in the week, and now the winners stood in the spotlight.
Runners-up were called first, greeted with applause and cheers. Then, to thunderous ovation, Adrian Szurgot, a basketball player and Chick-fil-A Leadership Academy member, was crowned King by Superintendent Dr. Atiya Y. Perkins, who placed the sash and crown with pride.
Queen Kamila Florez, a multi-sport phenom who competes in volleyball, basketball, cheerleading, and dance, was then crowned by Mayor Derek Armstead, who performed the honors with his signature Linden flair.
Cheers erupted from the crowd, phones lit up the bleachers, and the newly crowned royalty climbed aboard a decorated black-and-orange golf cart. With runners-up trailing behind, the King and Queen made a victory lap around the track, waving regally as families and friends snapped photos, cheered, and soaked in the magic of the moment.
It Takes a Village
Throughout the night, PTA members and volunteers manned concession stands and ticket booths, keeping things running with warmth and efficiency. Police officers and fire rescue teams stood by with quiet watchfulness and hometown pride, ensuring safety while sharing in the communityโs joy.
In the stands, alumni from the Class of 1985 rekindled friendships and traded stories. Parents bundled against the chill. Students danced and cheered with each big play. And above it all, the collective roar of Linden pride echoed.
This Is Linden
Homecoming 2025 was more than a football game. It was a memory in motion. A celebration stitched together by touchdowns, high kicks, trumpet blasts, and tearful smiles. A night when city leaders, students, teachers, parents, and neighbors stood shoulder to shoulder to say, this is our town โ and this is what it means to come home.
This is Linden. This is family. And this is what it means to ROAR.