Thursday, October 1, 2026
The bleachers at Veteran’s Field trembled and shook as more than 1,000 spectators roared and stomped. They cheered on Sam Pereless, as he barreled down the football field last Friday, outrunning players from Kennedy who gave chase as he ran 80-yards after he recovered a blocked field goal attempt, the stadium lights illuminating his trajectory toward the end zone.
For a moment, it seemed as if he had achieved Long Beach’s second touchdown of the evening, and although the score was ruled out on a technicality, the Marines went on to clinch a 34-32 victory, the first home game christening the new Veteran’s Field.
Throughout the evening, the sense of pride was palpable, with many spectators saying that the new field has only added to the school’s team spirit and enthusiasm among players.
“The kids were so excited to be here, they couldn’t wait to play on the new field,” said Michelle Brown, whose son, Jake, is a backup quarterback. “[The new field] brought even more fans out and it’s really created a sense of belonging, a sense of community.”
Just before the game, a ceremony was held unveiling the new field. Fittingly, the Long Beach Joint Veterans Organization were the guests of honor, presenting the colors in a flag ceremony presided over by members of the American Legion Post 972, V.F.W. Post 1384 and Amvets Post 100 of Long Beach.
The varsity cheerleading squad performed at halftime, followed by the High School Marching Band who performed a medley of Beatles tunes. Homecoming King Marvin McMoore was escorted by the team mascot, the Marines Bulldog, just before members of the Long Beach Bulldogs youth football program charged across the field at lightning speed in the annual Bulldog Dash.
Past and present board members were acknowledged for the hard work and planning that made this new state-of-the-art facility a reality.
“We had this vision and didn’t let it be compromised,” said school board Vice President Patrick Gallagher, as he stood on the southwest corner of the field, as a steady stream of parents walked by and complimented the new facility. “Tonight is really a special night — this is an event that brings people together and the pride is something you can’t replicate.”
