Ask any coach what he thinks of homecoming, and he will likely wince, shake his head, and then say in a lowered voice that he’d rather not have them. For football coaches, the word “homecoming” remains lodged in the pantheon of toxic terms, somewhere between “empty seat” and “new rule.”

The American Fork High School, which is turning 110 this year, is gearing up for its homecoming game Friday, an annual event that honors players and alumni, and invites the community to the celebration.

The festivities, which begin at 5 p.m., will include live bands, free food, games, prizes and even Powder Puff football. According to one Cavemen coach, the week leading up to a homecoming game is huge distraction to players, who tend to think more about the parties than the plays. Coaches notice a drop in their players’ ability to stay focused during both practice and the game. They might be cavemen, but they don’t want to live in a cave.

The pressure is cranked up on the red-and-whites, as they are trying to shake off three consecutive losses, the last one by 20 points against Brighton. The Cavemen haven’t won a game since Aug. 17, almost a month ago.

The American Fork Marching Bands are expected to make an appearance at half time, their first at a football game this school year. The bands are gearing up for the competition season, which begins on the heel of the homecoming game, defending their state title for the 21st time.

In Friday’s game, which kicks off at 7 p.m., the Cavemen are facing Copper Hills, and the Citizen predicts a win. Despite fumbling nine times last year, the Cavemen overpowered the Grizzlies at Copper Hills High School, 28-20.

Two weeks later, the Cavemen held their homecoming game and logged a decisive win against Lehi … as they were able to stay focused after all.