In their homecoming football game, the Spartans won 44-8 over the Aragon Dons, picking up their first win of the season. At halftime, twins Max and Sierra Kelly were crowned homecoming royalty.
“We had nothing to lose at this point in the season,” sophomore quarterback Ishan Devarapalli said.
The game started with the Spartans on offense, with senior Viliami Sekona rushing in a score to make the score 7-0 in favor of MVHS.
Aragon’s first drive was extended by multiple penalties on the Spartan defense. However, MVHS forced a fumble and claimed control of the ball within their own five yard line.
The Spartan offense kept clicking as Devarapalli connected with senior wide receiver Luke Orrock for a long gain. MVHS capped off the drive with Devarapalli passing to junior wide receiver Braden Greene, increasing the Spartans’ lead to 14-0.
After an Aragon fumble, the Spartan offense was unable to reach the endzone and settled for a Sekona field goal to make the score 17-0.
Aragon’s offensive woes continued as a punt and 3 and out led to MVHS capitalizing, with senior running back Diego Ortega-Gerow scoring the final touchdown of the first half. A missed extra point left the score 23-0.
Both Devarapalli and Sekona highlighted the performance of the offensive line for their consistent ability to block effectively against Aragon’s defensive front.
During halftime, the MVHS cheerleading team and Dance Spectrum performed, though the dancers’ music cut out shortly into their routine. They continued their performance, instead counting out loud.
The Spartan defense forced an Aragon punt to start the second half. The MVHS offense drove down the field once again, and a second Ortega-Gerow rushing touchdown made the score 30-0.
Another Aragon fumble allowed MVHS to capitalize with Devarapalli quarterback sneaking to increase the lead to 37-0.
On Aragon’s last drive of the game, they finally were able to move the ball down the field and scored a rushing touchdown with a two point conversion to cut the lead down to 37-8.
On the last drive of the game, Sekona scored his second touchdown to end the game 44-8 in favor of the Spartans.
After losing so many games, Devarapalli and Sekona said that it felt like this could be a turning point in their season.
“We’ve had so many downhills this year, but finally all of our work came through,” Devarapalli said.
