NYSPHSAA CHEERLEADING: HORSEHEADS EXCITED AS THEY HEAD TO STATES (24 PHOTOS) (November 8, 2025)

BY BRIAN FEES
Southern Tier Sports Report
After winning both the STAC and sectional titles, it’s onto states today for the Horseheads cheer team. 

The Blue Raiders will compete at the Game Day Cheerleading Championships at 12:30 p.m. on Sunday at Hudson Valley Community College.

The final round is set for 2:20 p.m.

“Really excited,” Serenity Jefferson said. “It’s really rewarding to be going for our third consecutive year, at least for us, we have been going this long. 

“We are very excited that we feel like we have a shot going into this, but it’s such a hard fight because the team’s going to states, it’s not going to be easy.”

Horseheads posted a near 97 score at sectionals, after going over 97 at STAC. But, they know they’ll face a lot of good scores at states.

“We are all scoring the same way, so we have to push a lot more than we usually do,” Tayler Carter said. “I feel like all the hard work we put in, it’s amazing we got to this point.”

The Blue Raiders seniors know they have a great group going to states this year.

“There is no one better to do it with,” Jefferson said. “We are such a family. We all push each other to be our best. Cheerleading is such a team sport. It’s hard to pick out one person and be like that’s the person that puts us ahead. It’s such a team sport.”

“Everytime I cheer I feel like I’m cheering with my best friends,” Carter said. “It’s amazing we have gotten to this point.”

The seniors like Jefferson and Carter are happy to help the younger cheerleaders as they go to states.

“I think being seniors now, there are obviously younger people on our team,” Jefferson said. “It’s good to see people in that position and give the that extra boost of confidence.”

“We are all leading the way for each other,” Carter added. “I feel like we are all putting in the hard work. We have worked hard for this moment.”

This year is a little different with states outside of Albany.

“It’s so exciting going to Albany,” Jefferson said. “Obviously we have to travel far away, but it’s another opportunity to bond with your team right before the big moment.

“I am so excited. I love going to states. It’s so different than just a normal competition. It’s bigger, there are more people. It’s intimidating, but this is like wow, this is the best thing.”

After winning STAC and sectionals, now the goal is state champion.

“There would be nothing better,” Jefferson said. “This is what we are here for. It’s that extra step. Since we started cheer ever (the dream was state champion). Obviously you always want that big win. It’s all these winds adding up to it. This is the big goal.”
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PHOTOS BY BRIAN FEES

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