The Arcadia High School (AHS) Varsity Football team faced Herbert Hoover High School (HHHS) during AHS’ Homecoming game on Sept. 18, with an ending score of 18-7. Taking place at Salter Stadium, the student section was filled with the color red in support of AHS’ varsity players.
The first quarter was challenging for both sides. AHS received the initial kickoff, and senior Tyler Rangsuebsin ran the ball to the 35-yard line. With neither team letting down their guard, the score remained 0-0 for the entire first quarter.
“We practiced a lot more blocking in preparation for this game”, said Assistant Head Coach and Offensive Coordinator Johnny Sanders.
As soon as the second quarter started, it was clear that both teams were fired up. The Apaches’ defense showed their passion and frustration with powerful tackles and hits. However, the game’s turning point wasn’t until there were 26.2 seconds left of the second quarter. Quarterback senior AJ Pressnal passed the ball to receiver junior Aiden Reyes, who ran all the way from the 10-yard line to the end zone. Reyes scored the first touchdown of the night with 11.4 seconds remaining in the quarter. In addition to the touchdown, AHS went for a two-point conversion instead of going for a kick, giving them a lead of 8-0.
“My favorite part of the night was definitely that 100-yard return to the crib, the whole crowd was just cheering me on,” said Reyes.
After a thrilling second quarter, the field cleared for the Color Guard and Marching Band’s performance titled, “Upon Paper Wings”. The crowd cheered loudly as they watched the intricate performance unfold. Orchesis also had a short performance to the song “Make it Rain” by Pop Smoke.
“I [felt] so much energy because the student section was great; [they] just moved the energy through us,” said Band Section Leader senior Wesley So during halftime.
Once Color Guard and Marching Band’s performance concluded, ASB Senior Council Vice President Cathleen Lu and ASB Activities Commissioner junior Christopher Tsai announced the Homecoming royalty court. The halftime break gave players a chance to recharge and prepare for the final half.
In the third quarter, kicker sophomore Aaron Zan racked up three more points for AHS with a successful field goal. The ending score of the quarter was 11-0, as HHHS still did not score any touchdowns.
The last quarter proved to be the most exciting yet, with both teams scoring touchdowns. The final touchdown of the game was scored once again by Reyes with 6 minutes and 45 seconds left in the quarter, making the score 17-7.
“It felt amazing with the crowd. It definitely made me nervous a little bit, but it definitely boosted my confidence for the game. In the end, I found a way to pursue it because I was confident in my team,” said Reyes.
The crowd cheered excitedly for AHS’ first win of the season, and the final score of the game was 18-7.
“The reason I think we won tonight was our defense continued to play the whole night and let nothing go behind their head. We didn’t play our best football, but we’ve been searching for a win and it feels great to finally get one,” said Coach Sanders.
