One of the charms of high school football is that the sport impacts students far beyond those strapping on shoulder pads and helmets.

As Morse High School was winning the CIF San Diego Section Division 5 championship 45-30 over Hoover on Friday at Southwestern College, the school’s 15-member Jr. ROTC Drum Corps percussionists rocked the crowd. The drummers were dressed in camouflage pants and hats, boots and T-shirts with “Army” emblazoned across the front.

“We try to liven up the crowd and make sure everyone’s pumped,” said Morse senior and Drum Corps commander Elijah Alcantara.

At the top of the concrete stands, three majorettes, nicknamed the Tigerettes, danced to the music. There was the six-member step team, two girls twirling flags and three more spinning rings.

Tai Oliver has been teaching at Morse for more than 25 years. She’s the advisor for Morse’s cheer and auxiliary teams.

“I definitely believe in the extracurricular activities, because when I was in school, this is what kept me out of trouble,” said Oliver.

Oliver graduated from Lincoln High School in 1990. Before stepping onto the Lincoln campus, Oliver said, “I was in a lot of trouble. I was hanging with the wrong crowd, trying to fit in, which is what most ninth-graders do.”

At Lincoln, Oliver became a cheerleader, plus ran track and field.

“Once I started getting involved in school,” said Oliver, “that just helped me thrive.”

Alcantara followed his older brother, Enzo, into the Jr. ROTC.

“If it weren’t for ROTC I wouldn’t have as much experience in leadership and community service,” he said. As for banging on the bass drum, he said, “That allows me to explore my creative side.”

Puke and play

Early in the second quarter, a Morse coach opened a gate leading to the stands, grabbed a rubber trash can and dragged it inside the gate. Holding his stomach, Morse’s Omar Meza buried his face in the trash can and lost his lunch.

Meza said he gobbled down chicken, a banana and bread for lunch. But he blamed his issue on too much Gatorade.

Meza barfed during a kickoff, then strapped his helmet on and jogged onto the field to play defensive line, not missing a down.

“Gotta make a play,” said Meza.

Size doesn’t matter

One of the beauties of Division 5 football players like Hoover’s Jshaun Trent, a 5-foot-5, 165-pound defensive tackle. And the Cardinals’ Noah Contreras, a 5-6, 155-pound outside linebacker with 16 sacks, the second-highest total in the section.

“I don’t care if I’m not the biggest, the fastest or strongest,” said Contreras. “I just want to play.”

Said Hoover coach Will Gray about Trent: “He’s the smallest guy out there but he’s got the biggest heart.”

Making an impression

Hoover sophomore quarterback Hezekiah Manuel completed 30 of 41 passes for 333 yards, three touchdowns and earned the respect of many.

Watching from the end zone as Steele Canyon waited to take on Santa Fe Christian for the Div. 2 title, Steele Canyon defensive coordinator Jesse Spencer said, “The kid can play. Hopefully, he stays there. Staying there is good for the city schools.”

Worthless cry

Yelled a frustrated fan from the Hoover stands: “Keep the ball out of his hands!”

He was referring to Morse star Superior Garror, finished with 32 carries for 260 yards and two TDs and had a 54-yard punt return for a score.

Lineman/actor/scientist

Steele Canyon’s Dylan Jackel not only anchors the Cougars’ offensive line at left tackle, but he’s also a regular in school plays, boasts a GPA north of 4.0 and will be attending Claremont McKenna College. .

Jackel said two of his favorite performances at Steele Canyon were “Chicago” (he portrayed Amos Hart) and “Mamma Mia” (he played one of the fathers).

“You know, acting had me for a while,” he said, “but football has definitely grabbed me.”

Give ’em the boot

Santa Fe Christian’s Bradan Scott is continuing the program’s tradition of good punters. Ex-Eagle Jake Bailey (Dolphins) is in his seventh NFL season. Jack Bosman punted for four years at Yale, plus centered 27 of 40 field goal attempts.

Scott, who will play at Boise State, boomed a 55-yard punt on the Eagles’ first possession against Steele Canyon. Later, he kicked field goals of 21 and 37 yards.

Late in the second quarter, SFC led Steele Canyon 27-14.

Food review

Opted for the Big Boys Tacos’ pollo street tacos. Ordered it with everything – cilantro, onions, guacamole. On the Union-Tribune five-belch scale. Big Boys earns Scene and Heard’s first 5.5.