By: Riley Alcantara, Staff Writer

On September 23, Mills football brought a different mindset and scheme to the field during the away game against the Saratoga Falcons during their homecoming week. The idea of ruining another team’s homecoming game only motivated our players even more to give this game their all. Knowing that this team would be their best first chance at a real win they locked in and set the field. Mills started off the game by kicking the ball to Saratoga and starting their first defensive drive. Both teams started the game strong and did a good job with their offensive drives. Throughout the game, it was looking as if both teams were neck and neck in points and yards. With less than a minute on the board of the first half Saratoga came through with a big play to put one more touchdown on the board before the end of the first half. In shock, the Vikings thought about how they made such a detrimental mistake in such a short amount of time.

Coach Rick, head of the football program, led the team into the opposing team’s practice field to collect their thoughts. As our Vikings took their seats and removed their helmets, the coaches preached of how football was a mental game. At this time the Falcons had the momentum. Coach Rick and Nikko emphasized that shutting them down mentally would be significant in turning the tide. With a new mentality instilled in their helmets, the Vikings set out to take the field again with the same game plan. The Falcons and Vikings were still going head to head with almost the same points on the board. With the time running short, Mills was pushing their last offensive drive to the endzone. Only a few seconds on the clock the Vikings were able to muster one last touchdown. With the score being 28-28 Coach Rick thought hard about the game winning play. 

The last play of the game would be a QB sneak to the right with maximum blocking. There was no chance of Saratoga coming back considering there were 0 seconds on the clock for the extra point. The Mills Vikings set in formation and finally snapped the ball. Justin Kang (23) wrapped the ball in his arms and drove his body into the endzone. Unclear if the ball crossed the endzone the ref dug through the dog pile to look where our QB landed. It was good! As the ref’s whistle blew one final time, our varsity football team rushed the field in enjoyment and relief. This game was the class of ‘23’s first win of their high school career. The seniors who were in pads and helmets congratulated each other on their first win. After the last team huddle, the fans who came to support their fellow Vikings waited for our winners on the sideline. The bus ride home was when the team finally realized that they are a competing team. Do not be mistaken, it was not only the defensive scheming and offensive plays that got our varsity their first win. The Vikings have also taken their time off the field to spend quality time with each other and cheer. 

Every Thursday, all participating members of football including coaching staff and cheer spend time enjoying each other’s company in the cafeteria. Thanks to their caring and supportive parents, they are able to share meals together every week before a game. These dinners are the final touch that brings the team together as a family, cheer included. And although Varsity was able to bring home their first win, they knew that more work was required to be able to compete against higher skilled teams. From this point on, Mills has truly become united and in sync as a team and family. 

Through this connection, Varsity was able to come home to face their next opponent. That being the Lynnbrook Vikings at our field. Mills was ready to give their supporters their first home game win. The battle of the Vikings was a thrilling game that had the stands shaking from the roaring of our crowd. For the next two games we were able to bring our home field two more wins! The battle of the Vikings against Lynnbrook ended in our favor 14-7. It was a long hard fought game with both teams playing shut out worthy defense. Onto the next week, preparing for Monte Vista’s powerful offense, our Varsity Vikings arranged their defense for a run heavy offense. This exciting game ended with a score of 20-14. Officially making our senior class of ‘23’s first three game win streak.