This story has been updated from what was originally posted to account for a correction.

With 3.9 seconds on the clock, the Renton Indians were less than 10 yards away from a winning touchdown.

The team had missed a few field goals that day, but the kicker was sent for one last chance to overcome the 35-34 score favoring the Highline Pirates.

The crowd stood on tip toes; for the first time students were wholly focused on the football game; a forceful cheer urged the players forward.

“This is a very excited crowd,” said alumnus Scott Saephanh, adding it was three times its typical size.

The clock ran, the ball hiked and the Pirates rushed forward, blocking the kick.

The Pirates stole Renton’s centennial homecoming game by one point Sept. 24.

The school spirit broke so hard against the loss that at first there was disbelief.

The day had started with high hopes. This was Renton’s moment.

And perhaps it still is.

For the past few years strong school leadership has changed the student culture, boosted school pride and graduation rates.

Before the game, students paraded around downtown Renton, attracting local spectators with marching band drums.

Alumni from as far back as the 1950s went to Renton Stadium to cheer on their alma mater.

“Everyone is excited this year,” said 10th-grader Hanna Willoughby. “It’s like our bad reputation is starting to go away.”

With the school’s 100th class graduating in the spring, school spirit is at an all-time high.

“Everyone has spirit now,” said senior John D. Nguyen just before the parade. “I love this school.”

A few hundred students turned flat-bed tow trucks into floats for the class royalty. Police and fire trucks led the parade, while the school’s marching band filled downtown with music.

“It’s fun. It reminds me of my high school days,” said Bob McCorkle, who came out of his South Third Street office with wife Sue.

The parade ended at Renton Memorial Stadium, where Friends of Renton High School put on a free tailgate barbecue for students.

In one hour the group served about 600 hot dogs and burgers.

Tailgating at football games was one of many traditions students no longer enjoyed at Renton High, said alumna Terri Briere, who is also a Renton City Council member.

She changed that with a group of alumni about six years ago, organizing the first homecoming barbecue for students, she said. “We’re trying to inspire school spirit again.”

The group has since filled the shoes of a booster club, eventually joining the Renton Community Foundation.

In the stadium, alumni reminisced about football when they were seniors.

“When we played, we were a powerhouse team,” said 1969 alumnus Bill Donckers. The quarterback went on to play for San Diego State and the Arizona Cardinals in the NFL.

The high school team won every game for two years, 24 in a row. One season all of their opponents combined only scored six points, he said.

“We were the biggest high school in the state,” Donckers said. Renton’s team had enough players to build four teams and the backup team was as good as anyone.

At the time, Renton only had one high school and Hazen was only a couple years from opening.

“We had good student body support,” he said. “This whole stadium was filled for every game.”

Friday the stadium was busy, but only about two-thirds full.

Donckers returned for a visit when friend Gene Crock convinced him the centennial would be a good chance to catch up with old friends, he said. “It’s nice to come back.”

Renton High started the game with a 28-yard reception by P.J. Benedictus for the first touchdown.

Highline bounced back quickly, when Hasan Al Hassan ran 89 yards for a touchdown.

There seemed to be no shortage of long runs, as both offenses bolted through the defensive line.

In the second quarter Justin Bennett caught a pass and ran 99 yards for a touchdown.

A 66-yard touchdown and a field goal at the bottom of the second quarter brought Renton to 26-21 for the half-time.

The half-time show included performances from the cheerleaders, marching band and the presentation of the homecoming court, which had already been paraded through downtown in their tuxes and gowns.

The school traditions surrounding the game were fun, and they brought out the teachers too, said senior Klarissa Quintas. “It brings us together.”