Paly football played a close game against Leland, losing 35-21 at their first home game of the season. 

The team has been practicing every day, working on their run game and teamwork under their new head coach, David DeGeronimo. 

As this was their first home game, the team was hyped up and ready to face any sort of setback the game may give them. Principal Kline made sure to remind the entire school their spirit should be at an all-time high and to show up in all black.

“PALY spirit was definitely there—having them chant really keeps the team motivated and makes the team want to try to do their best to not let the school down,” Jason Auzenne (‘23) said. 

During the first half, the team was losing badly. They went into halftime 14-0 and the team morale was low. However, Coach Malcolm swept in for a halftime pep talk.

“He inspired us to play as a team and not play selfish,” Auzenne said.

Their mindset completely flipped for the second half and they were able to keep the chains moving down the field. 

Throughout the game, player Jeremiah Madrigal played incredibly and deserves to be highlighted for his work. With a lot of rushing yards, two touchdowns, and an interception, Madrigal showed his talent and made his team proud. 

“Fast and strong player that produced big numbers for us. Love the kid,” Va’inga Mahe (’23) said.

The team is disappointed by their loss but is looking forward to working and playing harder for their upcoming season.

“Some improvement that we need to make as a team would be for everyone to do their job. If you focus on your assignment and do your job 100%, then the team would be unstoppable,” Mahe said. 

Every person on the team is working towards improving their plays individually and is determined to have a win at their next game against their long-time rival, Gunn.

“After tonight, we plan to work hard. This 0-2 record we have is not acceptable for us and we will do anything for it to change,” Mahe said.