The Arcadia High School (AHS) Varsity Football team faced Burbank High School (BHS) on Oct. 3 for AHS’ final home game of the season. The Apaches fought hard throughout the night, with a final score of 13-55. This game was also Senior Night for both the AHS Varsity Football and the AHS Pep Squad’s Varsity Cheer team. Students dressed in all black for the theme ‘black-out’ to celebrate the players’ last home game.
Before the game, each senior was recognized for their contributions to AHS. They walked with their family through the tunnel on the field and took pictures to commemorate the night.
The first quarter was rough for the Apaches, who were unable to score. On the other hand, Burbank had a big lead, scoring 28 points. Despite the setback, AHS tried their best to keep up. However, the second quarter ended with the score of 0-41.
“Burbank is a really good team. They’ve got great defenders, and there was just never a point where we could get back into the game. And when you’re kind of stuck in a hole, and you can’t really get back up out of it, it’s not necessarily the easiest thing,” said quarterback senior Addison “AJ” Pressnall.
After the second quarter ended, Color Guard and Marching Band took the field for their halftime performance. Since this game was the last home game of the season, it also marked the final football game for their seniors.
“I think it’s pretty melancholic to be performing at my last football game. But the energy tonight is the best it’s ever been, especially from our senior audience,” said Band Trumpet Section Leader senior Ares Ortega.
Entering the third quarter, AHS was in a tough position, still scoreless. Three minutes into the quarter, Arcadia scored their first touchdown of the night. The student section erupted in cheers when Pressnall passed the ball to senior Tyler Rangsuebsin, who ran it into the end zone. The third quarter ended with a score of 7-48.
The Apaches worked hard in the fourth quarter to try to build momentum, and junior Aaron Cerda successfully scored a rushing touchdown, bringing the final score of the night to 13-55.
“I don’t feel excited about this game, but I also don’t feel mad about the loss. Our guys fought the whole way through, and that’s what really matters. When everybody’s mentally giving it everything that they’ve got, that’s stuff to be proud of as a leader and a senior,” said Pressnall at the end of the night.
Although the Apaches ended with a loss, the night was still one to remember for seniors Addison “AJ” Pressnall, Timothy Morales, Joshua Nevarez, Noor Rafo, Aidan Driscoll, and Julio Ramierz-Garcia.
