Saturday was a huge day for Patchogue-Medford High School as the school held its annual homecoming parade down Main Street in the morning, followed in the afternoon by a 35-28 win over Bay Shore in the homecoming football game.

Village trustees Tom Ferb and Kevin Weeks, who were among the marchers, each said the turnout for the parade was the largest they’ve seen.

The parade made its way east on Main Street from the Four Corners to Rider Avenue, past numerous storefront windows that Pat-Med High School students decorated on Sept. 29, including the Patchogue-Medford Library, which carried the message, “Once a Raider, Always a Raider.”

Disney Channel movies were the theme for this year’s parade floats. The senior class took first place with its “High School Musical”-themed float.

The sophomore class came in second with its “Halloweentown” float, followed by the freshman class (“Zombies”) and junior class (“Teen Beach Movie.”)

The junior class was the overall homecoming winner.

The parade included the Patchogue-Medford Raiders marching band, Air Force Junior ROTC, marchers from various sports teams, and students from many of the district’s schools.

Members of the high school’s Raider Bean, a  student-run café and bakery at the high school, were the grand marshals. 

Saturday’s football game and parade were preceded by a pep rally at the high school on Friday, at which school officials announced the results of a survey selecting the Buffalo as the school’s new mascot, interim superintendent Lori Cannetti said.

Pat-Med sports teams will continue to be called the Raiders and the teams will retain their red and black colors.

As for the football game, running back Aidyn Modeste ran for four touchdowns, and the Raiders improved to 2-2 under new head coach, Greg Murphy.