Same wins close homecoming game

On Friday, Oct. 5, Samo’s football team entertained the homecoming crowd with a close game against Hawthorne High School. They reigned victorious with a final score of 29-21. After a tight first half, they pulled away in the second half.  The first half was close with each team battling for each point. Zaire Martin-Thomas (’19) ran a 50 yard return in the first half which prompted a roar from the crowd.  The game remained close with each team scoring back and forth until the second half. Half time started with a promising score of 26-13. In the second half, Samo stepped it up and strengthened their lead.  They had two touchdowns in a row following half time. The crowd motivated and encouraged the team throughout the game and was excited to celebrate the win on homecoming.  After losing to Culver the previous week, Samo was able to recover and come together to secure the win. Joseph Duran (’20) explained consistency was key to their win along with maintaining their focus the whole game. “We came together, we pushed through even when we were up it felt like it was 0-0,” Duran said. The team was running an effective offense with multiple highlight runs.  Zaire Martin-Thomas (’19) had a 50 yard return in the first half, as mentioned above. Donovan Parks had a 65 yard run to a touchdown and had two touchdowns over all.  Melvin Hicks blocked and received, then ran 30 yards.Coach Matt Kirk was impressed by the teamwork and execution that Samo showed and that it was the best he has seen all year.  In addition, the offense was an crucial weapon which aided them in bringing home the win. “The offense was effective because the offensive line gave our QB time to throw, and our QB, Anthony Arnou, found open receivers all night,” Kirk said. An area Kirk will be focusing on going forward is stopping the opponent’s runs and running the ball more themselves.