Bells ring for success

Hanna Suarez, Editor-in-Chief

November 21, 2011

It was a successful night on Nov. 10 after the varsity football team dominated the Lynwood Knights 20-6 at their last league game played at the Allen Layne Stadium. Both sides started strong and refused to let either team touch the end zone. That was until senior running back Alex Martinez rose above in the first quarter. Lynwood fought back soon enough hoping to catch an early hold on the Vikings, but little did they know that their score would remain after their first touchdown.

The Viking offense proved their determination to remain on top in the second quarter when junior Jonathan Swindell scored a touchdown at 7:42, leaving the score at 13-6.

“We came together after our win against Dominquez and had a great urgency to make it to the playoffs,” senior offensive lineman Andrew Luna said.

During half-time, Mr. Houts introduced former the principal of DHS, Allen Layne, who spoke of the restoration of the bell. Layne explained the project and gladly donated the bell to Downey High. After an exciting performance by the marching band, the game resumed.

Sophomore Eric Carillo scored another touchdown for the Vikings at 7:32 into the third quarter. Carillo’s touchdown left the game with the comfortable score of 20-6, allowing the varsity team to move up in the playoffs.

After the last touchdown by Carillo, the Viking defense kept the Knights out of their hair for the remaining twelve minutes of the game and the bells rung for victory.

“I was happy about the win because it gave me another opportunity to play and get my technique better,” senior defensive lineman Saul Garay said. Garay hopes that the team will become more disciplined in order to play their best at playoffs.

Junior Marlon Duenas was proud of the win but slightly dissatisfied.

“I feel good because we get to go to playoffs but I know we could of done a lot better,” Duenas said.

The Vikings faced Righetti for their first round of playoffs on Fri. Nov. 18 and unfortunately lost 31-24, missing their opportunity to advance.

About the Contributor

Hanna Suarez, Editor-in-Chief

Hanna Suarez, Editor-in-Chief of The Downey Legend, stepped into the world of journalism as a junior, as she carried on the challenge of the Arts and Entertainment Editor as her first position. The young writer was hesitant when first applying to join the staff, and doubts of acceptance crossed her mind. “I was kind of scared to join,” Suarez said “I didn’t think I would be much good.” Nonetheless, the hopeful student took the risk and was happy when she received the news of being selected as A&E Editor. She quickly adapted to the hectic environment and filled the newspaper room with her humor, as well as adding a sense of warmth and kindness. After successfully filling her section editor position, Suarez did not fret when the opportunity of E.I.C. was presented to her. She quickly grabbed the new title, and felt confident taking on the new role that was attached to more responsibilities. “I felt capable of handling the job well,” Suarez said. The leader was comfortable being promoted to a more prestigious position, and held her ground. While college years are ahead of her, the student is savoring the moments she has left in high school, taking in her senior year and trying to make the most of it. The Downey Legend editor is an active member in the school marching band, playing the clarinet and euphonium. The senior also enjoys spending time reading while having 3^rd Street Coffee in hand, and listening to indie bands and artists such as The xx and Lana del Ray. Once she graduates, the ambitious writer hopes to build a successful career as E.I.C. of her own magazine, making newspaper a foundation for her future endeavors. She anticipates stepping foot into the real world, attending the USC Annenberg School of Communications or FIDM. The young and talented individual has prospered as a writer and leader; providing the staff with a model of success, she leaves big shoes to fill.