By: Megan Saul

Editor-in-Chief

After a long fall season, Los Gatos High School Boys’ Varsity Football concluded its play. The team ended as the Peninsula Athletic League (PAL) Bay champions, with a league record of 5-0, and ranked 44th in California, with a total record of 9-4. On Nov. 28, LGHS took second place in the Central Coast Section (CCS) Division 1 tournament after falling short to Junipero Serra High School 21-28. 

The school held the team’s senior night on Nov. 6, during their game against Palo Alto High School. Before the game, seniors and their families walked across the field to commemorate their time as an LGHS athlete. The festivities didn’t distract the team, though, as they came out and scored two touchdowns in the first quarter alone. The team continued to dominate the game, leading 35-0 at halftime. Several Wildcats contributed to the final score of 51-7, notably seniors Beau Musser, Grayson Doslak, Max Thomas, and Jack Harrington. This game concluded the team’s regular season and ensured they would play the first playoff game at Helm Field the following week.

On Nov. 14, LGHS faced Saint Francis High School in the quarterfinals. Following a scoreless first quarter, a pass from senior quarterback Callum Schweitzer to Musser put the first points up on the board, with senior kicker Efe Acar quickly adding another one. Although the Lancers scored a touchdown in the third quarter, Schweitzer responded by delivering a 13-yard pass to junior Shane Harmer. This play brought the score to 14-7, the final score that granted LGHS another week of play. The semifinals took place on Nov. 21, again at home, against Palma High School. In a high-scoring game, LGHS came out on top, winning 45-21. The game sent the varsity team into Thanksgiving break with daily morning practices to prepare for the final.

The LGHS Varsity Football team competed in the CCS final, a neck-and-neck game against Serra at San Jose City College. The first quarter ended in a tie, 7-7. The Wildcats continued battling throughout the game. In the end, LGHS narrowly lost, taking home the CCS second-place trophy, still a highly commendable feat. 

Despite the defeat, players recognized their continuous hard work and improvement throughout the season. Senior Bryce Novinsky commented, “We battled all the way to the end and left everything on the field. Really proud of the fight we put up, but unfortunately came up a little bit short in the end.” He continued, “The team after was obviously really emotional, but we also took a lot of pride in our season overall. Most of us grew up playing sports together, and for a lot of us, that will be the last time we ever do. Lots of love for my guys and can’t wait for what the future holds.” 

Reminiscing on the season, senior Hayden Benjamin stated, “My favorite part of the season was either having fun with my teammates during camp or going on our long CCS run.” Looking ahead to next season, the team is confident it will have another standout year and hopefully reclaim first place in CCS Division 1 after a two-year hiatus.