By: Siyona Singhal
Editor-in-Chief
Friday Night Lights are back, along with the familiar sounds of the band playing, cleats hitting the ground, and the crowd roaring. As football season kicks off, LGHS families join together under the lights to celebrate Wildcat spirit and cheer on the home team. While we as a crowd get to see creative plays and energizing touchdowns, we often miss the time and effort that goes into a game.
The team currently stands at a 3-1 record. They played Soquel High School on Aug. 28, taking home the victory with a score of 24-0. Their next game was on Sept. 4 against Salinas High School, ending with a close win of 41-35. Next the team played against Clovis High School on Sept. 11 and experienced their first loss of 24-7. Their most recent game was on Sept. 18 against San Mateo High School where they secured a score of 35-7. Standout players have been seniors Devonte Troutt, Shane Harmer, and Jack Siri.
Senior Henry Houghton reflected on his first year back after having to sit out two years due to a knee injury. Houghton plays as a cornerback on defense and is on every special teams unit, positions his coaches chose for him because “coming back, it was a position I was more comfortable with and I could learn easier.” Looking back on his past years playing football, Houghton recognizes his various mindset changes. He explained, “Being injured was a mental challenge more than a physical one, but you learn a lot about yourself in the lows, and get better through the highs.” Houghton especially loves the brotherhood on the team and enjoys being able to spend time with his friends and teammates. His advice to new football players is to “pick a spot in the corner if you participate in the three-day camp.”
Junior TJ Lombardi is a defensive back on the team. He follows in his dad’s footsteps, who also played as a defensive back all the way through college. So far, Lombardi’s favorite part of the season was “the first home game. It was great energy, the band was playing, and the crowd was super excited.” Lombardi noted that he enjoys when there is a large turnout for home games and does not feel an added pressure by extra attendance. Instead, he embraces the high-energy environment. Football has challenged Lombardi because he has to make sure he is taking care of [his] body, and eating the right stuff. He explained, “I am always making sure every one of my little bumps and bruises are tended to. It builds a lot of discipline surrounding [self care].”
Junior Kade Dubelbies is enjoying his first year being on varsity. He noted the stark atmospheric difference when playing under the lights compared to earlier in the day. This year Dubelbies is focusing on, “getting faster and stronger. I want to work to help get us more wins.” The wide receiver explained what he believed the team’s biggest challenge this year is: “We are struggling with injuries and trying to keep everyone healthy.” To combat this, team members are spending more time in the weight room and doing less drills in practice.
The football season has only just begun, and there are many more games to come. The Cats will play against three other schools before their next home game on Oct. 15, so make sure to attend and contribute to the amazing atmosphere on game days.