Varsity Football vs. Venice

by Josh Miller.

The Vikings lost 33-7 to the Venice High Gondoliers. The game was not nearly as lobsided as the score; in fact, the game was tied 0-0 going into the half. The Gondo's scored a quick touchdown at the beginning of the third quarter, but the extra-point attempt was blocked, making the score 6-0. SAMO marched back down the field capping the drive with a touchdown pass from QB Ryan Katz, making the score 7-6 in favor of the Vikings. USC-bound Gondolier RB Curtis McNeal took the game over from that point forward. While SAMO's defense shut down McNeal in the first half, he responded in the second half with 3 touchdowns and numerous impressive and explosive runs.

The Vikings proved that they are an incredibly talented team that can compete with the best of them; but their sub-par performance in the second half showed that Venice's hard hits took a toll on the mindset, focus, and drive of the Viking players.

Next week the Vikings will take on Long Beach Jordan in the Homecoming Game at SMC. Former SAMO Offensive Coordinator Thomas Barnes is now the Offensive Coordinator at Long Beach Jordan.