Football team looks to break four-game losing streak with Homecoming victory

As the school prepares for halftime festivities at Friday night's game, including the crowning of the Homecoming king and queen, football players are hoping they can turn their season around against Los Altos.  

Los Altos has an overall record of 2-3 this season, but they play in a less competitive conference than Saratoga, making the game a winnable one.

“Because Los Altos is in a separate conference, we are confident that we will be able to secure a victory to add to the Homecoming spirit,” senior receiver Jackson Williams said.

The Falcons (1-4 overall, and 0-2 in league) have lost four straight games. Last Friday, the Falcons fell behind early to Los Gatos and never got back in the game, losing 41-21. They trailed 34-0 at half.

“Our goal was to stay close with Los Gatos score-wise the whole game, but I think everyone had some doubt in their minds,” senior outside receiver Shay Patil said. “That's what got us.”  

Playing from behind the whole game and trying to catch up, junior quarterback Will Liddle threw three interceptions. The Wildcats managed to score five touchdowns in the first two quarters. In the third quarter, senior wide receiver Vinny Faylor scored a touchdown on a pass from Liddle, as did junior running back Kian Ghelichkhani. Faylor managed to score his second touchdown in the fourth quarter on another pass from Liddle.

“Although we made mistakes in the first half and everyone was rattled, the second half taught us what we can do when we are willing to fight, follow what we have been taught and trust each other to do our jobs,” Patil said. “I'm glad we lost with some fight."

The loss made it tougher for the Falcons to make it to CCS.

“We can only respond positively and remain optimistic, as we are not yet eliminated from playoff contention,” senior defensive lineman Justin Lee said.

On Oct. 2, the team played at Palo Alto, suffering a heartbreaking 42-35 loss in double overtime. Last year, the Falcons defeated Palo Alto in the last game of the regular season to make it to CCS, and the team was hoping to come through with another big win this year.

“Even though Palo Alto looked good, we were really positive about our chances to win the game,” said senior captain Adam Camp. “Our offense came out strong, but our defense couldn’t stop a play we usually have no trouble defending, strong side power.”

Each quarter, the Falcons and Vikings both scored one touchdown. In the first overtime, both teams also scored one touchdown each, tying the score at 35. In the second overtime, the Vikings scored a crucial touchdown that led to the win.