Vikings trump gladiators at homecoming game

Junior quarterback, Dallas Lopez, jumps up to catch the ball during the homecoming game on October 15 at Allen Layne Stadium. The Vikes beat their opponent Gahr High 42 to 23.

Roy Mendoza, Co-Editor-in-Chief/Copy Editor
October 20, 2010

It was an anticipating night as students and staff walked into the Allen Layne Stadium on Oct 18th for the 2010 homecoming game. The varsity guys were pumped and ready to go when it came to playing their upcoming rival, Gahr. Players took no time to waste and got into the game with high hopes and a positive attitude.

“Even as I barely walked in, I could already feel a sense of enthusiasm in the air!” senior Alexandra De Lira said.

It was a slow start when it came to the first quarter of the game. Although they may have been down by 10 points, the Vikings had no intentions of losing any of the hope given to them by the cheering crowds during the match. Just a few minutes after the second quarter began, a seemingly unstoppable duo of quarterback Dallas Lopez and wide receiver Isaac Dan emerged and together scored a total of two touchdowns leaving the Vikings with a score of 21-17 by half time.

“Although we had a few players out this game, I think as a team we played to our capabilities,” Dan said.

Yet after pounding scores by Dan and Lopez, running back Kyle Lewis was ready to step it up. Determined as he could be, Lewis started off the third quarter by scoring his second touchdown in the game leaving them a good amount ahead of the gladiators; but he didn’t stop there. Once the fourth and final quarter of the competition came around, Lewis was able to score yet another two touchdowns which eventually led to Downey defeating the gladiators 42-23.

“When the game was over I was happy for our win,” Lewis said. “Our team was forced to step up and we did so I’m proud of them for that.”

As the varsity team concluded the game with one of their famous drills, they did more than just win their afternoon match, they led the way for a fun filled night as many students got to partake in yet another one of Downey’s yearly homecoming dances.

About the Contributor

Roy Mendoza, Co-Editor-in-Chief/Copy Editor

Roy Mendoza is quite the multitasker. Not only is he a senior with a full schedule at Downey High, he is also mentoring his freshman sister, and has taken on the double duty of Co-Editor-in-Chief and Copy Editor of The Downey Legend. The busy student found his interest in writing during his middle school years and always sought to improve his skills as a reader and writer. He continued with this skill along to high school where, as a sophomore, he was offered a chance to be a part of history in the making by joining Downey High’s first ever Online Newspaper staff. Taken aback by the offer, he accepted, and two years later, he is glad he did because Mendoza holds a position now that has only ever been held once.

“I feel so honored to have a double position,” the ambitious writer said. “I know sometimes the stress might get to me, but I have my Co-Copy Editor behind me at all times, and I need to be behind my E.I.C. one-hundred percent. I have her back completely, and I know she has mine because we’re the team captains, along with the Photo Editor. We have to set an example.”

Mendoza is glad to have met and surpassed his goal to stay on the staff of The Downey Legend for the rest of his high school years, and plans to attend the University of California: Berkley after two years at Cal State Long Beach. He hopes the skills he has learned throughout his time in newspaper stay with him, as he wishes to be a reporter for The New York Times.

Mendoza is proud of his position on staff, but he also makes time for friends and family as well. On the weekends, one can usually catch this teenager at popular local hang out spots with friends. One thing is for sure: there is much in store for this motivated yet humble individual.