10/17/24 Highlight: Varsity Football
By ISHAAN SINGH and MARVIN SHIM
Photo Courtesy of @peafootball
On Friday, Oct. 11, the PEA Varsity Football captured a crushing victory against Salisbury School, scoring 56-23, while the rest of the Academy enjoyed the day off. This win improved Big Red to a 4-0 win streak in the season after their previous victory at home versus Taft.
“We all finally did what we needed to do. We played a pretty good football game and I think it was evident in the score and the outcome,” upper Marek Jin commented. “I am really hoping that we continue this streak, and I really want us to get better. I think that’s the only way we are going to beat some of the teams that are coming up.”
The rest of the team shared a similar sentiment. Their training regimen consisted of much running in order to build up stamina, but during practice they mainly focused on the details of the game and the little things. The entire varsity football team has worked hard to be a part of the team and all work hard towards one goal. “Our training is a lot of work that we do together and we do it right. We try to do it right,” Jin reflected.
“The team works hard on and off the field. Coach V and the guys on the team do their part on watching film, sleeping well, practicing hard, and maintaining a healthy diet,” said lower Ashim Rai, referring to Head Coach Panos Voulgaris.
Jin continued, “The team environment is great and it’s a fun group of people. We seem to mesh pretty well. There’s going to be disputes here and there but it’s nothing we can’t solve. Any team without a good team dynamic usually crumbles, but we do.” Every game is a testament to the strong bonds that are formed between each player of the varsity team after countless hours of practice and memories. A good team dynamic is fundamental to a successful sports team, which the varsity football have found and taken advantage of, as evident in their current performance.
“Something important in the team is our chemistry. During games and in practice, we motivate each other and make sure spirits stay high,” said Rai.
In addition, this game was special to several members of this team as it occurred on three of the players’ birthdays, including Jin and Myles Craddock. Craddock, near the end of the game, also scored a pick six, electrifying the atmosphere and ending the match with a high note. “He comes down from safety, takes the ball, brings it to the house, everyone goes crazy on the sideline. That was a pretty special moment,” Jin recalled.
In sum, the varsity football team strengthened their winning streak with a massive victory at Salisbury due to their team dynamic, training, and mindset. They look forward to improving their game as they prepare for their upcoming games.
