On September 26, 2025, Hermann High School Homecoming kicked off with a parade before the game. Different floats, decorated to the theme of “There’s no place like Homecoming,” flooded Hermann streets. Lots of people arrived at the parade to watch floats go by and receive candy and other treats. Among the floats were ones from St. George Student Council, the Hermann High School football team, and many more. After the parade, families went home and got ready for the big game.
Hermann hosted the Owensville Dutchmen. Hermann took the win beating Owensville 50 to 14. Owensville also lost the Gasconade County Bowl to Hermann. This is a tradition that small towns like Hermann and Owensville have that bring in a large crowd to watch a football game. The Hermann coach, Jed Leeper (see interview below), and Homecoming Queen, Jillian Fredrick were interviewed after the game. Fredrick stated that her favorite part of this experience was getting dressed up and walking onto the field with her dad.
Interview with Coach Leeper:
How do you think that your team did tonight?
Coach Leeper: I believe we have gotten to the point where our team is getting used to one another. They played with great energy & effort and it showed with our execution on the field.
If you could improve your team, what would you do?
Coach Leeper: I’d like to see us be more intentional with our training and preparation, it would improve confidence during the game and allow us to handle the tough stretches and adversity during the games.
Can you name one player that you think you can improve on your team this season?
Coach Leeper: Trent Chasteen, Senior. He does a great job leading our team with his effort. I would like to see him become more vocal and not to be afraid to hold his teammates accountable to raise their level of play.
Can you name one player who you feel lived up to the standard you expect?
Coach Leeper: Aiden Eikermann, Senior. Aiden studies, trains and practices with great effort each day. He expects a lot of production from himself and sometimes can be too critical, but his drive is what makes him a great teammate and leader on our team.
What qualifications and credentials do you have to work as a football coach?
Coach Leeper: For me, I believe you’ve got to have a passion to develop kids, not only in the sport of football but in life. Having played in high school and college, I’ve been lucky to have a lot of great coaches and teammates giving me tools to be ready to lead a program.
What aspects of coaching do you like and dislike about being a football coach?
Coach Leeper: I enjoy nearly every aspect of the game. My favorite is when a player finally has their AH HA moment and they click or figure something out that they have been working to improve. I dislike that it ends. Unlike sports like golf, basketball, baseball, softball, bowling, etc. which you could play nearly the rest of your life, you only get 4 fast years to play high school football with your friends. It’s difficult to watch players not take full advantage of their time.
