Vikings regain momentum

Hanna Suarez, Editor-in-Chief

October 9, 2012

As the last pre-season game starts, on Friday, September 21, the varsity football team shows unity as they enter the Allen Lane Stadium with locked arms. The team’s recent 3 to 2 wins, have them optimistic for a victory in the up coming match against Warren.

After struggling at the start of the season, the varsity football team defeated the Oxnard Yellowjackets 31-21 on Friday, Sept. 21 at Allen Lane Stadium. Oxnard started off strong, scoring two field goals within the first five minutes of the game. As Downey fans anxiously waited for the Vikings to pick up momentum, the team prepared itself for a game it was determined to win.

The team displayed their determination as they made attempts to regain territory in the first quarter. Although the Yellowjackets would not let their defenses down, the varsity team managed to catch up seconds before the start of second quarter, with a touchdown by senior Jeremy Villa.

“I stayed confident, knowing we could come back,” Villa said. “The first touchdown really woke up the team as well; it let them know we could do better.”

So far, varsity has not been consistent with their wins, landing 3-2. With their star 2012 players gone, the team must get comfortable with the transition fast in order to succeed in the League. However, the mistakes do not faze the athletes’ determination to become a successful team, senior Mark Kozhaya explains.

“We learn from our mistakes,” Kozhaya said. “Even when we win, the coaches point out our mistakes to help us improve.”

During the second and third quarters both teams played hard, and left the scoreboard tied 14-14, until Villa scored another touchdown, putting the home team in the lead 21-14. Downey made sure to keep the game on their side, and that Oxnard was beat for the remainder of the night. The Vikings finally ended the game 31-21.

Along with Viking quarterbacks Conor Hill and Jorge Reyna, the team was victorious against their opponent.

“[The team] lives by the play. If something goes wrong we can’t think too much about it, we just have to forget about it because it’s the past,” Hill said.

The team puts aside their mistakes and continues to show a team effort in order to do well in League. They hope to defeat their cross-town rivals, Warren, at home on Friday, Oct. 5.

About the Contributors

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.

Monique Munoz, Co-Photo Editor

Soon to graduate from Downey High School, 17-year-old senior Monique Munoz is a photographer and the Co-Photo Editor for The Downey Legend. Although this is her first year shooting for The Legend, she has had a passion for photography since her sophomore year. “I always have a camera with me whether it is my Canon Rebel or my little carry around camera,” Munoz said. “I take pictures all of the time in random places, looking to capture unforgettable moments.” Her goal is to be the best photographer on The Downey Legend staff. Munoz is also a photographer for Downey’s High’s yearbook. Aside from taking pictures, she enjoys cooking, dancing, and watching basketball and football. One of her dreams for high school is to participate in the powder puff game. Munoz wants to obtain a minor in photography attending Cal State Long Beach, and she plans to finish her schooling at UCLA. Because of her love for children, her main desire is to major in the medical field and become a pediatrician. She decided this as her dream career because of how well she is with children due to constantly having to take care of her younger siblings. “I wouldn’t mind working as a photographer on my breaks and vacations from my career, because photographing is more of a passion then a job to me,” Munoz said. She also mentioned she wishes to travel the world to photograph portraits, candid and landscape photos. “No matter what it takes, I am determined to achieve all my goals and believe I am capable of accomplishing anything I want to,” Munoz said.