Varsity gridders take aim at berth in CIF playoffs
Photo courtesy of BENJAMIN MANUEL
by STEPHANIE MUNOZ
Striving for a spot in the CIF playoffs, the varsity gridders will play the Lancers at Bell Gardens tonight at 7.
After claiming victory during their Homecoming game against the San Gabriel Matadors, 63-7, Oct. 21, they are preparing to finish their league season strong in their next two games. Seniors on the team were recognized before the game as they walked onto the field.
If the gridders do well in their next few games and the Oilers falter, then the Spartans will go into playoffs in first place. If the Oilers maintain their record, the Spartans will clinch a playoff spot in second place. Playoff brackets will not be determined until approximately Nov. 6.
“It feels as if this season is going by too quickly, and just yesterday it was spring ball. However, I’m glad what I have accomplished with my team so far,” said senior Matthew Barajas in regards to his last season on the team.
The Spartans fell to the Montebello Oilers at home, Oct. 14, 14-7. Throughout the game, the Spartans had good defense and were able to stop the Oilers from continuing to score but they lacked a strong offense.
The gridders won the Oct. 7 game against the Mark Keppel Aztecs by forfeit, because the Aztecs had too many injured players.
The Spartans lost to the Whittier Cardinals, at Cal High Sept. 30, 27-7. They had a bye for the week of Sept. 23.
Playing against the West Covina Bulldogs Sept. 16, the gridders lost, 24-13. They beat the San Marino Titans at home Sept. 9, 42-7.
“As far as we are now, we have done very well and will have a spot in the playoffs. We have had little things happen during games that we weren’t prepared for, but as long as we work on that, we should be good for what is left of our season,” said coach David Ramos.