Football takes their first loss against Segerstrom

Friday, Aug. 25 was Samo’s first football game of the season. Unfortunately, it was also their first loss, losing 39-0 against Segerstrom High School. The game did not have a very optimistic start. Four minutes into the first quarter, Samo’s running back, Kaiden Thomas (’20), suffered from a serious leg injury and was led off the field by paramedics. After a fumble from Segerstrom, picked up by Samo, confidence was starting to build within the home team. However, there was a interception by the other team and Segerstrom worked past Samo’s defense and scored the first seven points of the game. “Kaiden’s injury affected our team emotionally and as part of the game plan,” head coach Ramsey Lambert said. “We didn’t think it would have led to a broken leg.” The second quarter began with touchdown attempts from both teams, interception from Samo, and multiple turnovers. Despite Samo’s efforts, the other team broke through defense once again and scored two more touchdowns right before the end of the second quarter. Segerstrom trailed ahead of Samo and the help of field goal kicks set the score at 27-0, as both teams headed to the locker rooms to take a break and give thought to their game.“We weren’t in the highest of spirits,” Lambert said. “Our defense was not as strong as we’d like and there were too many mistakes. We didn’t tackle that well on defense and too many injuries. I wasn’t too worried because we usually start out slow, but we need to go over our defense.” Samo made multiple touchdown attempts against the opposing team, but Segerstrom made sure they couldn’t get past their defense. Another leg injury happened in the middle of the third quarter from one of Samo’s players. Once again, Segerstrom scored their fourth touchdown of the game and extended their lead 33-0. “Our game wasn’t where we’d usually like it to be, but nerves were everywhere and our confidence began to decrease, and we can’t let that happen in the future,” the backup quarterback Jaidin Flanagan (’20) said.During the second half, Samo suffered from yet another injury. They were forced to switch out the quarterback and bring in Flanagan as the backup. Despite Samo’s tremendous efforts, the second half ended with another touchdown from the opposing team and a loss with the final score as 39-0. Despite the loss, Samo is confident they can bring in the win for the next home game on Sept. 1. “I definitely want a win next game,” Flanagan said. “No one wants to lose two games in a row, and I’m confident that we’ll bring our all next game.” Starting the season, this game was unlike the rest. This special game was dedicated to former football captain Juan Castillo (’16), who was shot to death six months ago. As players from both teams hugged the families, emotions were running wild throughout the whole stadium. “Juan was a great kid, always energetic and a hard worker. This was the least we could do for him and his family.” Lambert said. Players, friends and family all walked to the center of the field. Friends and family circled them, and Vikings coach Ramsey Lambert presented a jersey and picture of Juan Castillo signed by the team.“It means so much that the school would do this for Juan,” his father, Jorge Castillo Sr., 46, said. “They’ve never done this before. Now he’ll always be a part of the stadium and the games here.”