A public address announcer introduced players from both teams, but since most in attendance could not hear him, a school official on the field signed the introductions as well.
Before the kickoff, fans raised their hands in the air and waved, an alternative cheering gesture to clapping. Even with a standing-room-only crowd, the stadium was relatively quiet.
Fremont players raised their helmets above their heads as a sign of unity, then strapped them on and scored the game's first touchdown shortly thereafter.
Riverside players seemed in disarray on the first series. The defensive backs crossed paths and the Cubs were called for pass interference, helping Fremont on its touchdown drive.
Bannon yelled out a change in formations but, of course, it did no good. No one heard him.
But unlike previous weeks, Riverside did not fold after falling behind. Instead, after an interception by Dennis Cruz, the team responded with a 55-yard touchdown drive in the second quarter. Senior running back Ricky Cornish scored on an 18-yard run for the Cubs' second touchdown of the season. Quarterback Robert Reed ran in for the two-point conversion, and Riverside had its first lead of the season, 8-7.
The few Riverside fans who had made the long journey rose to their feet and hugged each other. Players and coaches let out loud yells.
The lead did not last, however. Fremont, aided by several Riverside turnovers, scored three touchdowns in the fourth quarter and won, 25-8, tying the series at 9-9.
Fremont players leaped for joy, but several Riverside players, tears in their eyes, buried their heads.
"This is my last game against Fremont and I am sad that it was a loss," said Cornish, who attended Fremont before transferring to Riverside. "Mental mistakes killed us today. My old friends here won't let me forget what happened."
Bannon said he was proud of his team, even though it had been unable to hold the lead.
And said Cruz, in a vow common to sports fans everywhere, hearing and non-hearing alike: "We'll make a comeback during basketball season."
