Football season comes to an end with a loss in the playoffs
Noah Smith/contributor
Samo football earned its spot in the playoffs on Oct. 31 against Peninsula High School, where they won 28-14. The Vikings' first round of CIF playoffs took place at home against Pasadena High School, resulting in an exciting 42-16 win. Samo then had a 14-13 win against Brentwood High School, leading them to their semifinal game against Tahquitz High School. Samo came up short, ending their CIF run with a close loss of 35-41.
Samo football's first game of the season was on Aug. 16 this year against Kaimuki High School, resulting in a 35-0 win, setting the pace for the rest of their season. The Vikings concluded their season with an 8-5 overall record and a 3-2 league record.
This year's graduating captains are Jackson Nelson (’26), Isaiah Fernandez (’26), Cedric Mogol (’26), Eliot Bingener (’26) and Payton Seals (’26). There were select players who stood out in rankings and stats, including Bingener, the Vikings’ quarterback. He ended the league season with 1,661 documented passing yards, having thrown 14 touchdown passes. Seals, a starting wide receiver, received 671 yards, completing 6 of Samo’s touchdown passes. Saul Buendia (’27) also had an impressive season with 297 rushing yards and 167 receiving yards, resulting in a total of 464 yards gained for Samo. When looking at the top performers on defense, Nelson led the team with an average of 5.6 tackles per game.
When asked about takeaways from the Vikings league season, head coach Carter Paysinger reflected on his players' growth throughout the season.
“I think our players learned a lot about their capabilities,” Paysinger said. “The last couple of weeks, playing with win or go home circumstances, our guys really stepped up to the challenge.”
Going into their first playoff game, Fernandez talked about the team's expectations.
“I feel pretty good,” Fernandez said. “Intensity always rises with playoffs, so we're all ready for that. We feel prepared mentally and physically."