Erskine Academy had no say in the power going out twice Thursday night in its game against Gardiner. But school officials do have power over the atmosphere they create, and as usual it was lively and positive.

I've broached this subject before and I'll say it again. You can't beat a good band for creating atmosphere at a high school game and Erskine has an excellent one under the direction of James Johnson. Not only does the large group play a variety of tunes, but they're timely and well done. The enthusiastic Johnson jumps and sways as he directs his musicians and they're ready to go at every timeout.
The Erskine Vocal Ensemble performed a nice rendition of the National Anthem and the cheerleaders led off halftime with an entertaining routine before the band took over.
Unfortunately, the power went out and the game was suspended at halftime but that did litle to dim the atmosphere.