Freshman Football Exceeding Expectations

SIMEON LAM
Staff Writer

With league play quickly approaching, the freshman football team has been preparing well through its daily practices.

Though they lost their first non-conference game to Arcadia with a score of 6-8, the team’s confidence level is very high after consecutive road victories against the La Canada Spartans and the Temple City Rams, with scores of 18-13 and 32-0, respectively.
The Moors, with a record of 2-1, have been led by freshmen coach Anthony Martinez throughout the summer and into the fall.

“This is the best team, talent-wise, that I’ve ever had. We could easily be 2-0 right now,” said Martinez. “I think we have the potential to win the championship.”

Since the summer, the team has practiced continuously. Each practice consists of stretching, mile warm-ups, individual and team play, conditioning and debriefing. They work on their team defense most often, as Martinez’s style of play focuses his team specifically on defense.

“While the offense is coming along, the defense is solid,” said Martinez. “We’ve given up a combined 21 points in our last three games.”
With Martinez’s high expectations and optimism, the team captain also has his own expectations for the team.

“My goal for our team is to win the Almont League Championship and get over five shutouts,” captain and strong safety Sheehan Ramirez said.

The team has also stayed committed throughout the summer. According to Martinez, they have 72 players out there everyday, even with the constant training.

“It’s a lot more challenging than I’ve ever played before,” said Ramirez. “It takes about ten times more stamina.”