STRONGER TURNING A GROUP TOGETHER INTO A TEAM
words by Samantha Salem/photos by Grace Sager, Matthew Yellin, Teddy Kirkpatrick & Pine Crest School /design by Crestian Staff
T
he scoreboard read 24-17 as the clock approached zero during one of the most anticipated games of the season against King’s Academy. The crowd broke into cheers, applauding the three touchdowns of quarterback Scott Kean ‘22. “King’s Academy was very special because we haven’t beat that school in a very long time and it felt good winning at home against a school that went to the 3A state championship last year and to prove everybody wrong,” Scott said. The football team spent hours each day practicing to make sure that their season reflected their goals. “Some days we focus on offense and some days we focus on defense,” Johnathan Valdes ‘21 said. “We really just work drills and run plays, ironing out mistakes and making sure we know what we are doing on every play and getting ourselves better.” Throughout the fall, the football players worked to constantly
improve, staying motivated through daily practices. Spending hours working offensive and defensive plays while also analyzing what they need to improve on, the team trained both as a team and as individuals to ensure the best possible results. “The team has improved their preparation, attention to detail, and execution” Head Coach Ladell Betts said. During their training, the players concentrated on developing team bond. Despite their commitment to playing their best possible game, the team faced losses, whcih taught the players lessons about supporting each other. “Every day, through the sweat and the heat, we all work to succeed, which brings us all together,” Andrew Amunategui ‘20 said. “Being down with each other brings us closer as a family.”
COMPONENTS of
a [FOOTBALL PLAYER] HELMET to protect head from concussions SCOTT KEAN ‘22
4. Running down the field during a rainy night, Luke Walsh ‘21 plays defense during a home game against the Benjamin School. The football team succumbed to the Benjamin School’s offense, losing the game 27-3.
SHOULDER PADS to protect shoulders and chest from impact COMPRESSION PANTS to aid blood circulation
4
MORE than just TEAMMATES
CLEATS to maximize speed and stability In addition to being teammates on the field, Jonathan Valdes ‘21and Michael Valdes ‘22 are brothers in real life. “It’s comforting for me on the defensive line to know that if I slip up I have my brother waiting behind me to make the tackle and clean up my mistakes.” Jonathan Valdes ’21said. For Michael, his brother helped him push himself. “He encourages me to always work harder and strive to be my best self.” Michael Valdes ’22.
BROTHERS ON AND OFF THE FIELD
Joseph “Joe” Angella ‘20 and Andrew Amunategui ‘20 grew to be close friends over the course of the four years they played football together. They worked to motivate each other to be better during the game and after. words by Matt Yellin “You go through the highest highs and the lowest photos by Alix Brudner & Matt Yellin lows together and it makes you brothers for a lifetime,” Joe said.
FALL FOOTBALL
051 ]