As the Aliso Niguel Football Team’s season came to a close, they had a very memorable year from making it to CIF playoffs to ending with an 8-4 record, a very good way to end the season. The team got eliminated during the second round of CIF playoffs in a tough loss against La Serna ending in a 10-7 loss for the Wolverines.
The Wolverines had a very strong start to their season being 2-1 in the first three weeks. They had very favorable results against Beckman where Aliso Niguel won 38-3, and also against Chino Hills with a final score of 52-13 in favor of Aliso Niguel. However, they ended up losing in a tough match up against Capistrano Valley where they won 35-14 during the first home game of the season for Aliso Niguel.
This loss did not demotivate the team, as they came back and won their next two games against Pacifica and El Toro. These wins definitely helped the team have a lot more confidence coming into harder opponents and other games since the team was able to build connections with each other and bond together especially after these wins.
Varsity Defensive End Tyler Phillips (10) stated, “This season really helped enjoy time with my teammates and overall help shape me as a player.”
One of the most defining reasons why Aliso prevailed in many victorious wins was due to the committed and countless hours the team had to work through. From early mornings in the weight room, to intense practices before and after school, the team really developed their competitive edge over other teams.
For players such as Carson Etnire (12), Carter Vestermark (12), Brady Defrain (12) and Artin Hatamabad (12), they really had a strong connection towards this season since they were the captains leading the team through hardships and highlights and always keeping a key responsibility towards the team.
Throughout the season, the Wolverines faced a competitive lineup that really tested their resilience and strengths. Even through the hardships, Aliso Niguel still secured a CIF playoff spot where the stakes were high and the competition was even stronger. A good run in the playoffs could make or break the team’s season.
During the first round of CIF, Aliso Niguel faced off against Millikan; the score ended 7-6 in favor of the Wolverines, which secured their qualification for the second round of CIF. Unfortunately, things took a turn during the game against La Serna where the Wolverines lost 10-7 to a winning field goal which helped La Serna advance to the next round.
Varsity Defensive Tackle Ethan Rooney (10) comments, “It was a tough loss because it was only in the second round, but I will always be grateful for the chance to play varsity and for the season I was able to have.”
Although the loss ended Aliso Niguel’s season, there are still many highlights that were able to help shape the team’s season and shape a great future for the program and for the team for returning and future players for this great football team.
