Bonfire kicks off Mabank homecoming

Monitor Photo/Russell Slaton
At the 2025 homecoming bonfire held Sept. 8 behind Mabank Pavilion, Mabank football senior captains Cayson Schrier (foreground) along with other senior captains Cooper Cline (in no order), Wayne Langford, Christian Torres use torches to light the pile of wood before it burned brightly during dusk. Homecoming week continues Friday, Sept. 12 with the football game versus Wills Point, as well as halftime ceremonies crowning Mabank High School’s homecoming queen (the king is announced during the pep rally earlier that day), culminating with Saturday, Sept. 13’s homecoming parade which also marks the City of Mabank’s 125th anniversary. For more homecoming coverage, see the Thursday, Sept. 18 edition of The Monitor.

Monitor Photo/Russell Slaton
During the 2025 homecoming bonfire held Sept. 8 behind Mabank Pavilion, Mabank Panthers football players (including senior captains) gather while the flame grows in the background, ending festivities that included recognition of the school’s football as well as cross country and volleyball teams, along with Mabank youth sports teams, the high school cheer and drill teams as well as youth cheerleaders, along with the Panther Band providing tunes.

Monitor Photo/Russell Slaton
Mabank ISD Athletic Director and Head Football Coach Shawn Copeland (from left) speaks to the Sept. 8 crowd, followed by football players Jesse Noegel and Joey Morrison.

Monitor Photo/Russell Slaton
The 2025 homecoming bonfire blazes behind Mabank Pavilion, under the watchful eye of the Mabank Fire Department.

Monitor Photo/Russell Slaton
The 2025 Mabank High School cross country team enjoys the bonfire festivities from their allotted trailer in front of a large crowd.

Monitor Photo/Russell Slaton
Mabank Panther cheerleaders Kaci Miller (from left), Maddie Glover, Grace Kilgore, Brylee Powers, Destany Brewer and Kendal Woods lead the crowd.

Monitor Photo/Russell Slaton
Panther Band trumpet players Isaac de la Fuente (foreground) and Josiah Zitko (next) play music for the sizeable bonfire crowd.

Monitor Photo/Russell Slaton
Mabank Fire Department members Keath Shamburger (from left), Jody Farrell and Grace Cato tell senior captains how to throw the torches to light the bonfire.

Monitor Photo/Russell Slaton
The Mabank High School Pantherettes Drill Team performs during the 2025 homecoming bonfire to start the week of activities.