Football Kicks Off Into the New Season
By Declan Ney (Staff Writer)
The Samo Varsity football team kicked off their 2022-23 CIF season on Aug. 19. The Vikings only won one game in the 2021-22 season, and are looking to bounce back after the previous year.
There have been some noticeable changes from last year’s squad, most specifically a new coaching staff that has been able to get along with the players and force a strong chemistry.
Along with the new coaches, the team moved from the Santa Monica College (SMC) stadium, where home games were held in the past, to the football field on campus. Head coach Carter Paysinger talks about the team’s biggest strengths going into the season.
“Our strengths right now ,in addition to having good athletes, is the leadership that our seniors are bringing,” Paysinger said.
Samo students and parents came together on Sept. 2 at the campus’ football field to watch the Samo Vikings battle the West Torrance Warriors. Support from the Samo crowd flooded the field.
In the second home game against Fairfax High School on Sept. 16, the Vikings defense forced a three and out on the first drive of the game while their offense responded by driving down the field. On the Lions ensuing drive, Samo recovered a fumble by the Fairfax offense and returned it all the way for a touchdown. Defensive lineman Jayden Montanez (’24) touches on the team's dynamic and the preparation for the season.
“I think these guys have been working really hard all year with us and we believe in them,” Montanez said.
The team has lived up to expectations to start the season, rebounding from a 14-41 loss to Calabasas with a 33-14 win over El Segundo in their second consecutive road game.
Montanez shares his hopes for the team this season.
“We’re not where we want to be but I think we can do enough to make the playoffs,” Montanez said.
The excitement for this year’s version of Samo’s Varsity football team has filled the air in the student section at most home games since more students are able to attend games held at Samo as opposed to at SMC. With all the pieces coming together, it’s bound to be an exciting season on the gridiron in Santa Monica. Wide receiver Gus Reyman (’23) touches on his expectations for the year and appreciation for the new staff members.
“I think we have a good team but our record doesn’t show that. We’re more disciplined and we have a tremendous amount of respect for the new coaching staff,” Reyman said.
Samuel Lipshy (’23) protects the ball during home game on Sept. 2 against West Torrance High School.