Rather than their usual positions on the sidelines of a football game, members of the Bedford Jaguars spirit teams took center stage at Bedford High School during the third annual Season Premiere Cheerleading Competition on Saturday, Oct. 17.

The Jaguars teamed up with the Goffstown Screamin’ Eagles to host the event, which brought together 84 teams from across New Hampshire, more than 1,000 individuals.

Each team performed a routine of about two and onehalf minutes for the judges, and while Bedford and Goffstown were not eligible to place during the competition, it remained an important day for the athletes involved.

“It really breathes fresh air into cheerleading as a sport and shows people how much cheerleading has evolved,” said Jaguars 13U head coach Kacey Graham. “It’s not just a sideline sport. It’s truly girls doing their own sport.”

The Bedford High School gymnasium was transformed thanks to a safety mat covering the basketball court, a tunnel through which teams entered after introductions, and bright lights flashing while music played during routines.

Five teams from Bedford competed and considered postroutine notes from the judges in preparation for the upcoming state championships.

Carla Ferreira, coach of the 11U squad, said her team’s performance was just what she was looking for.

“I was more than proud of them for being able to go out on the mat in front of a full gym and perform with smiles on their faces,” she said. “That’s what it’s about, putting their fears behind them.”

While the majority of teams were competing against each other, there was also a friendly atmosphere among the cheerleaders.

At the conclusion of each age group, teams came down to the mat to dance and share smiles while the judges compiled scores. Ferreira said the event illuminated the strides cheerleading has made.

“It’s a sport that’s changed over the years,” said Ferreira. “It’s about the girls being athletes.

There are many skills that go into this event. They train like any other athlete does. For us to give them the opportunity to show those skills, that’s really important for them.”

Lori Reine’s mascot division team was the youngest squad on the mat; for many, it was their first opportunity in the spotlight.

“It’s their introduction into the sport,” said Reine. “The goal is to learn the fundamentals and have a good time. It’s fun to see them just enjoy it and be in front of an audience.”

For many of the older competitors, getting to work with the younger teams is the highlight of the event, and it’s also a return to the roots of their cheerleading careers.

“I always stress to our girls how they’re such role models. It’s important to have that mentoring,” said Graham, the 13U coach. “They’re so innocent and all about having fun. It reminds them that they were little once too.”