Turning the Tables

On Nov. 9, varsity football players took the field at Gonzales High School to play their season-defining CCS D5 playoff game. Getting to this point marked a major turnaround for the team. For one thing, the Falcons hit perhaps an all-time low last year, going 1-9 and falling far short of CCS qualification. This year, while they endured a four-game losing streak, they rebounded to win their last five regular season games.

After winning their first non-conference game at home vs. Santa Teresa 27-20 on Aug. 24, their losing streak began: first to Silver Creek 27-13 on Aug. 31, then to Sacred Heart 54-18 on Sept. 7, then to 48-7 Los Gatos on Sept. 14 and finally to Santa Clara 26-21 on Sept. 21 at Levi’s Stadium.

The team was down. “During the losing streak we had a hard time practicing because everyone felt unmotivated,” junior wide receiver/defensive end George Bian said.

But then everything changed. Saratoga beat Mountain View 48-31 on Sept. 28.  They also had wins against Mountain View 48-31 on Sept. 28, Monta Vista 55-29 on Oct. 5, Gunn 48-34 on Oct. 12, Los Altos 54-27 on Oct. 26, and Lynbrook 55-0 on Nov. 2.

“It really helped our team’s morale,” junior quarterback Payton Stokes said. “It built a great momentum of confidence for us to go into CCS playoffs. I knew we had it in us.”

With the wins, there was a visible boost of morale. With this motivation. Players also began breaking records and advancing in the league; senior JJ Wang and George each scored 15 touchdowns, and Payton accumulated 3,168 passing yards, the most in the league.

“Winning was such a relief,” junior defensive end Tyler Ouchida said. “It fired the team up as it made us not want to keep on winning.”

Players complimented their coaches and said they felt supported through their hot and cold year.

“Without the Falcon community we wouldn't be playing as well. Our fans have also been an integral part of our success,” George said.