PANTHERS CLAW THROUGH PIONEER LEAGUE

Jarrett Meza-Torne • November 4, 2024

Having been undefeated so far in all their matches, Peninsula’s football team is charging through this year at full speed, leading many to note the new updates— namely, Peninsula’s shift from the Bay League to the Pioneer League following a tough season last year. The three teams in the Bay League with the lowest records were selected to move down to the Pioneer League, a collection of schools that Peninsula did not regularly play, until now. So far in the season, the team has won five out of nine games including ones against El Segundo High School by 28-14 and Compton Early College High School by 77-0, which was only just the start of their success this year. Now that the team is facing more formidable opponents, the team’s overall confidence has increased and they have been continually striving to improve. Junior varsity football player and sophomore Ben Brown explains how players are reacting to the change.

“We didn't win a lot last year [but] we improved this year,” Brown said. “Our juniors and seniors are doing a lot better, and [being in the] Pioneer League means [competing against] easier opponents. [We're] definitely making [it] to [the] playoffs.”

The seniors on the team have to manage a balancing act of leading their teammates while navigating the new league themselves. This has required the captains to step up and take over many new responsibilities. By fully investing in the team, the captains aim to show the way to success for the other athletes on the team. Senior Isaiah Wiggins shares what it means to be a captain.

“This sport is not something I would even consider leaving when it gets hard because of all the memories it’s provided me,” Wiggins said. “We can improve [our] physicality. We’re going to go against other high-ranking teams, and we all know our training, but now it's time to turn on the relentless drive.”

Moving to the Pioneer League is an opportunity for the team to improve and make their dream of advancing to the playoffs a reality; like any other year, the team’s goal is to win as many games as possible to be the highest-ranking team in the league. Players are amending past mistakes by conditioning their bodies in the weight room to dominate on the field, as evidenced by their greater success on the field. Fans were on the edge of their seats at the Peninsula’s game against Compton Early College, watching them score touchdown after touchdown.

The players would not have been able to succeed without a robust support system, namely all their coaches. Coaches not only direct players during games, but push them past their limits at practice, implementing new strategies and instilling confidence in the players. The coaches’ dedication to the team sets the bar for the players for what they hope to achieve on and off the field. Head Coach David Young shares his view of what he sees in and out of the field.

“This year is different for me because I took myself off the field and I'm up in the press box,” Young said. “Now I notice the crowd 100 percent. I’ve been watching the zoo. The other day I was watching, and I saw them shave [Ben Brown’s] head. They’ve definitely rejuvenated the spirit; it’s always more fun to go to a game where you know you’re winning.”

The support of The Zoo, parents, coaches, students and family has helped create a new and exciting beginning for the Panthers this year. Everyone is now looking forward to what Panther Football has in store for their fans, who are ready to see the game from start to finish. Friends and family will keep painting themselves with school colors, showing pride in being a Panther. Crowds will get louder, cheering for every successful pass and touchdown while holding up posters of their favorite players and chanting taunts to the opposing team. Panther Football attributes their victories to following Coach Young’s philosophy – “Hard work always beats talent.”