On Friday, 10/6, the Atoms took on the Justice Wolves for a competitive rivalry match up. The Atoms battled hard but ended up falling to the Wolves, 12-14. The team was unable to convert extra points after touchdowns, but look to fix that issue in coming games. The team is hopeful that they can close out the season on a positive note with only 4 games left.
Head Coach Mike Scott stepped down after 14 years of coaching the Atoms. He is succeeded by Coach Chris Bagot.
Senior Aiden Peterson said “Playing under Coach Bagot is very fun and definitely a different approach to what I was used to with coach Scott.” So far, Coach Bagot has led the team to a 1-5 start, but he remains very optimistic for the rest of this season.
As the Atoms enter the second half of the season, they will be without their starting quarterback, Lukas Wuhrer, due to injury. Wuhrer was sidelined after a season ending leg injury in the game against Bishop Ireton.
“It makes me disappointed to see my teammates out there playing their hearts out and not being by their side, but injuries are a part of football and help you take a different approach in ways to help the team.” said Wuhrer. Often, injured players help coach the team, provide support, and cheer on the team on the sideline. The Atoms are starting Senior Ben Diconi to close out the season.
So far, Diconi has been holding it together, starting with his first touchdown against Bishop Ireton to Junior Daniel McClendon
Diconi said “it definitely felt good it relieved some of the pressure of taking the qb1 role over.” Diconi is hopeful that this drive continues with him into the rest of the season.
The Atoms have had a stronger running game this year with the help of Junior Dom Vejcik.
“I dont believe in quitting or stopping short in anything no matter what especially when it comes to football. I’ve played this sport since I was a little kid and it means the world to me to continue the season strong” said Vejcik.
Vejcik runs the ball along with Senior Liano Van Heerden.
The Atoms have gotten some big plays along the first half of the season, including a huge touchdown by Senior Ivan Flores-Gomez against the Justice Wolves. Gomez said “It felt great because we had scored on a trick play which we had only practiced 3 times.”
On the defensive side of the ball, the Atoms are keeping games closer than last year, and this comes from great chemistry as a team. Peterson added “Our team chemistry is great. Every time we step onto the field we are all on the same page and have each other’s backs at all times.” Team chemistry is a great asset to a successful football team.
The Atoms lost a couple of big players last year after many graduated, but have had many players step up to the plate and continue to strive for excellence.
“I’ve seen major improvements from all of my teammates, especially from the guys like myself that had to step up from JV to play at a varsity level,” said Gomez.
This season has been full of memories for many players. Peterson said “My most memorable moment this season was definitely leading the team out of the tunnel with the flag.”
The Atoms have felt the energy from fans and the Atoms Hype Squad and are encouraging fans to continue their support to help the Atoms succeed.
Gomez said “We definitely hear the hype squad, and for me it’s such a confidence booster hearing all the support.”
As the varsity Atoms continue their hard work, the JV Atoms are coming off a thrilling win over the Justice Wolves, 45-20.
Junior Colin Hoyt said “The game had strong energy from the start when we got an early lead on defense and then we kept the momentum and used it to win.” The Atoms JV team looks to improve to 2-1 as they take on the Edison Eagles on Thursday.
You can cheer on the Varsity Atoms at their next home game this Friday, at home against the Edison Eagles.
