By Lincoln Iakopo, Sports Co-Editor | October 26
The Carson Colts football team is off to a hot start so far this season. After a major win last week, they hope to continue this success on the road against San Pedro.
Their path hasn't been easy either, but they soundly defeated the #4 ranked team in the city, 49-7, and got their revenge on teams they lost to last year like North Torrance and Narbonne.
A big reason for their success is the amount of returning players from last year. Out of the 32 total varsity players, they have 14 returning seniors who are dominating on the field. There are 18 returning starters as well. The team has already surpassed the amount of wins they had from last year in just half as many games!
Academies of Education and Empowerment wide receiver and sophomore Craig Walker said, “We're not even playing our best football. There's a bigger picture at hand, and honestly, [we’re] shooting to play 10 more games.”
The team has the ultimate goal of winning the state championship.
AEE senior and running back Jerry Misaalefua has been a key factor in the successful formula that the team has managed to create and utilize. Misaalefua leads the team in tackles, rushing yards, and total touchdowns. He even has 2 interceptions to add to his impressive stats.
“It feels good [because] we worked hard all spring and summer. I'm happy it's finally paying off,” said Missaalefua. “We just have to keep the mentality of one day at a time, and not get ahead of ourselves. We can't underestimate anybody so we have to keep working harder and harder every day to get better.”
“It's not like this wasn't expected from us. I mean like our coaches have preached hard work and dedication all year, and even though I wasn't here last year, I can already see the growth within this team,” said Carson High School senior and wide receiver Curtis Williams. “It's a brotherhood, that's all it is. There's nothing like it.”
CHS senior Brendan Leomiti has been a huge leader and inspiration for this team.
“We just have to stay hungry and never let up. Our biggest reason for success is our coaches staying on us and the amount of leadership that comes from the seniors,” said Leomiti. “Last year, we had no tempo, and no expectations. All that changed in the off-season this summer.”
The Colts have 2 road games and 1 home game left on their schedule before playoffs. The big question is, can they stay strong and fight hard enough on their goal to get another city and state championship for Carson High School?