Carlmont’s varsity football team lost to the Los Altos Eagles 30-26 in a close Friday night matchup. After losing their first four games, the Scots worked hard and were eager to get their first win at home.
“I loved the energy in the stadium, especially in the Screamin’ Scots section. It felt like a very welcoming event,” said Vikram Singh, a sophomore at Carlmont.
At the start of the first quarter, Juan Olvera, a senior safety for Carlmont, knocked the ball out for a fumble recovery. On the first offensive drive for the Scots, their momentum was kept with a catch by junior wide receiver Brian Sagon, followed by a touchdown from junior wide receiver Daniel Mattioli.
Senior running back Braeden Kumer then scored a second touchdown and ended the quarter with the Scots in the lead 13-0.
In the second quarter, the Scots opened on a miscommunication from Olvera, and the Eagles stormed back for a touchdown. The Scots quickly shifted momentum with a 60-yard run from Kumer, exciting the Screamin’ Scots section. With this lead and strong first half of the game, the Scots were optimistic they’d get their first win of the season.
“We were too confident. We know we are better than this team, but we gotta keep showing up and work harder,” Mattioli said.
In the second quarter, the Scots’ only points came from an interception by Mattioli, playing as a defensive back, who took it to the endzone for a pick-6, ending the first half with the Scots down 21-20.
We were too confident. We know we are better than this team, but we have to keep showing up and working harder.
— Daniel Mattioli
Maintaining the same energy they started with, the Scots began the third quarter with a 50-yard run by Kumer. Towards the end of the third quarter, senior running back Dylan Del Bono caught a screen pass and went to the endzone for a touchdown. By the end of the third quarter, the Scots had several players who faced injuries.
“It was tough, you know, injuries and stuff, people like taking breaks, not having enough people. It was just the little mistakes we’re making,” Mattioli said.
Despite the eagerness to win and the tremendous effort, the Scots fell short as the Eagles defense made a crucial stop, leaving the final score 30-26.
Regardless of their 0-5 record, the Scots are optimistic they will be victorious this season.Â
“Just show up and work harder. We need to do more team bonding activities, and we will be able to communicate better and play better overall,” said Ryan Kwan, a junior cornerback for Carlmont.
Despite the outcome, students and parents in the stands felt the same way. The cheers stayed strong throughout the game, and the support continued from the fans.
“The game was delightful, and I had lots of fun with my friends in the student section,” Singh said.
