The first and only homecoming soccer game in Andover High School history nearly ended in victory for the Barons Friday night. But a kick from the far sideline glanced off the corner of the Royal Oak crossbar and into the goalie's arms as time expired.

The game ended 2-2, and gave Barons fans plenty to cheer about during the final homecoming athletic event in school history. Greg Mitchem scored both Baron goals, including one on a high-pressure free kick with just over nine minutes remaining in the game. His first came on a powerful strike barely five minutes into the second half and tied the score 1-1. Any momentum the Barons hoped to gain, however, was cut short just 30 seconds later by a penalty in front of the Andover goal.

Royal Oak took the lead on the ensuing penalty kick and held it until Mitchem's shot sailed into the net. After rocking the gym Friday afternoon to celebrate the conclusion of Spirit Week, students filled the stands for the entire game and relished the homecoming experience.

"It's amazing, surreal," said Rachel LeFevre, who was named 2012 Homecoming Queen at halftime. Students voted Tyler Falcoff the final Homecoming King in school history and honored the traditional Homecoming Court during annual fall tradition one final time. The Barons will merge with Lahser High School Knights in the new Bloomfield Hills High School next year.

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For More:

• Andover Students Get Pumped Up For Final Homecoming Weekend 
• Andover's Final Homecoming: What Not to Do
• For Andover, No More Friday Night Lights
• No Football, No Problem: Andover Salvages Homecoming
• Andover's 2011 Homecoming Crowd Celebrates Students of the Present and Past
• Photo Gallery: Andover's Homecoming Dance 2011