LIVINGSTON MANOR, NY — Before the kickoff of Saturday’s home game on September 22, between the combined football team of the Roscoe/Livingston Manor/Downsville Blue Devils and the Dragons of Dover High School, Manor celebrated its homecoming game, a traditional annual rite of passage across America.

The origin of homecoming reportedly dates back to the 19th century, in alumni football games at colleges and universities, and in later years was adopted at the high-school level.

Although several centers of higher education have laid claim to hosting the first homecoming game, notable sources have given the nod to a football contest in 1911 at the University of Missouri.

On Saturday, September 22, Manor continued this long-standing tradition, as Dylan Hefele was crowned king and Lindsey Rau was crowned queen before the kickoff.

In the wake of the brief crowning ceremony, senior football players presented red roses to their parents in a midfield ceremony: #4 Marc Santiago to Melissa Smith, #6 Erick “B” Hill to proud parents Mike and Amy Hill, Nik Breihof to Neil Breihof, Ty Engle to Susan Engle, Connor Gartland to Jim Gartland and Dylan Hefele to his dad Pete Hefele.

Parker Rosencranse, a senior running/defensive back and punter, was absent due to an injury.

And then it was on to the football game, which was played before what seemed like a packed house along the sidelines.

The home team won 28-8. For more photos visit www.rivereporter.com