Football fights for their spot in playoffs
With one more league game in the season, the Samo football team has a balanced record of 2-2. Samo looks promising going into playoffs and has hopes to make a good run for the California Interscholastic Federation (CIF) Championship. The Vikings have shown growth this season, already doing better than last year’s 1-4 league record.
With a 5-4 overall record, football has been pulling ahead of their competition The Vikings currently hold a league record of 2-2, having won their home game 21-13 against North Torrance High School on Oct. 3. They also won the homecoming game against South Torrance High School on Oct. 10, which featured a big comeback in the last quarter, resulting in a 42-37 victory.
The team does not view recently suffered losses against both Redondo Union High School and Torrance High School as discounting their earlier victories. Having already had a few big comebacks this season, starting quarterback Eliot Bingener (’26) expressed his pride in the team’s ability to push through challenges this season.
“I think just finishing games, not quitting when we’re down, and just practicing hard,” Bingener said.
Endurance and persistence have seemed to be the Vikings key to success this season. Head coach Carter Paysinger talked about how the team’s strong points this season are their ability to persevere through games and not give up until it’s over.
“We fell behind in a couple of games, and the whole attitude of the team is it’s not over until it’s over. They just understand we play until the last whistle blows,” Paysinger said. “I think that it’s important to know that [...] just like in any other sport, you’re gonna have ups and downs, and to be able to play through those ups and downs is key.”
Samo looks to be in a good spot as they continue through the league season, hoping to make a strong run through the playoffs too. The Vikings have their last league game on Oct. 31 against Peninsula High School, which will help determine whether or not they qualify for CIF playoffs.
Noah Smith / Contributer
Payton Seals (’26) catches the ball and gains yards against South Torrance High School