Football Seniors Set Stage for Almont League Success

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VINCENT LIN
Sports Editor
Although the varsity football team is now on a two-game losing streak, the Moors still have a fighting chance of placing top three in the Almont League. It is up to a handful of seniors steer the relatively young Moors toward victory, with their invaluable in-field experience and mentality of leaders.
At the helm stands senior Chris Salgado, who is eminent as the chief blocker and the lead figure of the team’s offensive line. A prospective member since the start, he views his role on the team as much more extensive than simply a lineman. Keeping the young members in place is a responsibility of his position, but it is one that returns support to him.
“I don’t feel the pressure at all because I believe in the rest of the players to help me out when I need help,” said Salgado.
With the strength of the team lying in the linemen, senior Jacob Caraballo has led the offense with 234 rushing yards, as well as provided an asset to the defensive lineup. The premier runner averages six yards per carry as running back, and has made 51 tackles as defensive linebacker, situating him as a main force of the team. Caraballo emphasizes the pride that the position brings, but acknowledges it as a motivator to work harder for the younger players of the team as well.
James Martin is the only returning senior of the starting receivers, with 300 yards and 22 catches from seven games so far. Taking over from last year’s Joseph Becerra and Mitchell Crockom, Martin’s progress as the go-to receiver is a positive sign for the imminent competition the team will face in the next two weeks.
After their last two rattling losses to Schurr and Montebello, the Moors are now fighting against San Gabriel for their League reputation; their Homecoming game against the Matadors is a chance victory that they cannot afford to lose. The Alhambra community anticipates the full potential of the senior players to guide the young team into qualifying for the California Interscholastic Federation playoffs once again.