Football Safety Regulations
Like most high schools, American Canyon High School values their football team. At every game, parents, staff members, students, and the community come out to cheer on our fellow wolves in their battle for the win. However, there is always an element of worriedness over a player’s safety.
There have been many recent situations in which football players’ safety is at risk for playing the game due to a lack of safety guidelines and procedures. The most well-known incidents have been the recent tragedies in Georgia; where a 16-year-old student passed away after being hit in the head during a game, and in the University of Maryland; where a player passed away at a rigorous practice from a heat stroke.
After hearing about these incidents, Coach Montante had a few remarks regarding the safety guidelines and procedures at our school. “...it does scare me because I do care about all my players... Yeah, you want to put the players through rigorous training because that’s part of what the sport dictates… But you also want to make sure that their safety is a little more priority.” According to Montante, there are mandatory steps that each football coach must take prior to the commencement of their season. These things include CPR, First Aid, and Concussion certification, training in Mandated Reports, and annual equipment checks that ensure that everything accessible to the players reaches the safety standards.
These steps towards player safety are what preserve football at American Canyon and allow us to cheer on our team every Friday night.
“This is the best time to play the game. It’s the safest it’s ever been”
-Head football Coach, John Montante
By: Nikki Convento & Abigail Malagon
There have been many recent situations in which football players’ safety is at risk for playing the game due to a lack of safety guidelines and procedures. The most well-known incidents have been the recent tragedies in Georgia; where a 16-year-old student passed away after being hit in the head during a game, and in the University of Maryland; where a player passed away at a rigorous practice from a heat stroke.
After hearing about these incidents, Coach Montante had a few remarks regarding the safety guidelines and procedures at our school. “...it does scare me because I do care about all my players... Yeah, you want to put the players through rigorous training because that’s part of what the sport dictates… But you also want to make sure that their safety is a little more priority.” According to Montante, there are mandatory steps that each football coach must take prior to the commencement of their season. These things include CPR, First Aid, and Concussion certification, training in Mandated Reports, and annual equipment checks that ensure that everything accessible to the players reaches the safety standards.
These steps towards player safety are what preserve football at American Canyon and allow us to cheer on our team every Friday night.
“This is the best time to play the game. It’s the safest it’s ever been”
-Head football Coach, John Montante
By: Nikki Convento & Abigail Malagon
Wolves in the Water
Water Polo is found among our list of various sports on campus for the Fall Season. Now that we are approaching October, the Fall Sports are about half way done with their season. I went to Mr. Sparks, the Water Polo Coach, to check the status of
our wonderful wolves.
Concerning whether or not this season has seen success, Coach Sparks had this to say: “It depends on how you measure success. If your looking at it in wins and losses, then no, we have not been very successful as a team. This year however, was not based on Wins and Losses - it was based on growth. We have been successful because as a team we have grown and matured about the sport of water polo. We have connected better as a team inside and outside of the pool and that I believe makes us successful.” Growth is very important; no matter what the end result looks like, as long as you learned something in the process, you can always improve and grow.
On the topic of growth, I asked about any significant improvements this season. “I have seen tons of improvement this season,” Coach Sparks shared. “Particularly in my juniors, who have taken this team over as their own. They have made great strides in the pool and I am excited to see what they can do next year.” I’m sure we’re all excited too. I also asked one of the player, Shannia Giese (pictured left), on how she felt about her team this year: “You know you’re on a team when you can barely breathe and you have a busted lip, but you keep swimming because you’ve got each others backs.”
Finally, I asked what Coach Sparks would like to see in the remainder of the season. “I would really like my team to show me the fire they have for the game for the rest of the season,” He shared. “I want to see their passion for the sport and the passion for the team begin to shine bright even as the season begins to fade.”
Heres hoping our Wolves shine brightly he rest of the season as they wade in the water!
By: Angelina Dominguez
our wonderful wolves.
Concerning whether or not this season has seen success, Coach Sparks had this to say: “It depends on how you measure success. If your looking at it in wins and losses, then no, we have not been very successful as a team. This year however, was not based on Wins and Losses - it was based on growth. We have been successful because as a team we have grown and matured about the sport of water polo. We have connected better as a team inside and outside of the pool and that I believe makes us successful.” Growth is very important; no matter what the end result looks like, as long as you learned something in the process, you can always improve and grow.
On the topic of growth, I asked about any significant improvements this season. “I have seen tons of improvement this season,” Coach Sparks shared. “Particularly in my juniors, who have taken this team over as their own. They have made great strides in the pool and I am excited to see what they can do next year.” I’m sure we’re all excited too. I also asked one of the player, Shannia Giese (pictured left), on how she felt about her team this year: “You know you’re on a team when you can barely breathe and you have a busted lip, but you keep swimming because you’ve got each others backs.”
Finally, I asked what Coach Sparks would like to see in the remainder of the season. “I would really like my team to show me the fire they have for the game for the rest of the season,” He shared. “I want to see their passion for the sport and the passion for the team begin to shine bright even as the season begins to fade.”
Heres hoping our Wolves shine brightly he rest of the season as they wade in the water!
By: Angelina Dominguez
Wolves Wear Down Bulldogs
Varsity Game - September 21, 2017
by: John Wade
Your American Canyon Wolves (5-10, 3-3 SCAC) varsity volleyball team overwhelmed the San Rafael Bulldogs on Thursday in straight sets (25-19, 25-12, 25-16). After a tough loss against a talented Vanden group, the Wolves took out their frustrations on a tired San Rafael team. Various Wolves stuffed the stat sheet, Jessica Moncada added 9 digs, Kenzie Dado got 2 blocks and Senior Co-Captain Kahli Kyee led the way with game highs of 4 aces, 10 kills and 18 assists. Kyee said, “It was such a fun game. My team tried a lot of skills that we learned in practice and having the opportunity to finally implement them was exciting.”
When asked about their season, Coach Maligie said, “The season has been going well. Every day the girls learn something new and challenge each other. With about a month left of our season it is very exciting for me to think about how much more they will be able to accomplish because when the girls play together they are unstoppable.” The big win against San Rafael should be a confidence booster as the Wolves look to lock in and continue to play well as the season moves forward. The goal this season is to make playoffs. Coach Maligie stated, “We have many small individual goals, but as a team we have been focusing on our pass rating, playing together as a team, and being smart about our offensive options. Accomplishing these things will help us achieve the larger goal of going to playoffs and making it to and past the second round.” The Wolves did execute their small goal as they only had 2 ball handling and 2 serve receiving errors compared to their 4 ball handling and 11 reception errors against Vanden. The big win will hopefully allow the Wolves to get back into rhythm going into playoffs.
The girls next matchup is against, school rivals, Benicia and Jesse Bethel. Moncada and Kyee when asked about the big games ahead said, “Our big games are always against Benicia, Vanden and Bethel. Our Bethel games have definitely been the most interesting and our last game going to five sets definitely shows that.” Maligie added, “the Bethel game(s) are huge because it will help secure our spot for playoffs.” The Wolves will battle Benicia today, September 25th, in Benicia and Bethel on Wednesday September 27th on our home floor. Go support your Wolves!
by: John Wade
Your American Canyon Wolves (5-10, 3-3 SCAC) varsity volleyball team overwhelmed the San Rafael Bulldogs on Thursday in straight sets (25-19, 25-12, 25-16). After a tough loss against a talented Vanden group, the Wolves took out their frustrations on a tired San Rafael team. Various Wolves stuffed the stat sheet, Jessica Moncada added 9 digs, Kenzie Dado got 2 blocks and Senior Co-Captain Kahli Kyee led the way with game highs of 4 aces, 10 kills and 18 assists. Kyee said, “It was such a fun game. My team tried a lot of skills that we learned in practice and having the opportunity to finally implement them was exciting.”
When asked about their season, Coach Maligie said, “The season has been going well. Every day the girls learn something new and challenge each other. With about a month left of our season it is very exciting for me to think about how much more they will be able to accomplish because when the girls play together they are unstoppable.” The big win against San Rafael should be a confidence booster as the Wolves look to lock in and continue to play well as the season moves forward. The goal this season is to make playoffs. Coach Maligie stated, “We have many small individual goals, but as a team we have been focusing on our pass rating, playing together as a team, and being smart about our offensive options. Accomplishing these things will help us achieve the larger goal of going to playoffs and making it to and past the second round.” The Wolves did execute their small goal as they only had 2 ball handling and 2 serve receiving errors compared to their 4 ball handling and 11 reception errors against Vanden. The big win will hopefully allow the Wolves to get back into rhythm going into playoffs.
The girls next matchup is against, school rivals, Benicia and Jesse Bethel. Moncada and Kyee when asked about the big games ahead said, “Our big games are always against Benicia, Vanden and Bethel. Our Bethel games have definitely been the most interesting and our last game going to five sets definitely shows that.” Maligie added, “the Bethel game(s) are huge because it will help secure our spot for playoffs.” The Wolves will battle Benicia today, September 25th, in Benicia and Bethel on Wednesday September 27th on our home floor. Go support your Wolves!
Varsity Game - September 15, 2017
After three consecutive losses the ACHS Wolves shocked the Will C Wood Wildcats 42-29. It may have taken time, but the Wolves dusted the losses off their shoulders and proved what the pack is all about.
As the game unravelled, the Wolves faced adversity. The Wildcats’ offense was able to find their way around our pack, after the kickoff, all the way to the touch line for an early touchdown. The Wolves’ defenders knew it would not be an easy game, as Will C. Wood rushed plenty of yards against them. Although, Wolves’ running back, Eddie Byrdsong, was able to fight his way into the endzone. Following the icebreaker of touchdowns, the Wolves and Wildcats were exchanging touchdowns, back and forth. Brenden Johnson and Robbin Brown were both able to score touchdowns. During the last moments of the first half, the Wolves intercepted the Wildcats’ ball. There were seconds left of the half, when LaVar Seay was able to throw a long ball to Brown, who rushed into the endzone to end the first half on a good note.
The second half was slow, as some of the adrenaline decreased during halftime. Yet, it did not stop the Wolves from gaining more points. Another touchdown was scored by Eddie Byrdsong. When you have a soccer player as your kicker, it is almost a guaranteed extra point. Jose Lopez can’t seem to miss any opportunity for the extra point. The rest of the game consisted of one last exchange of touchdowns for both teams. Fortunately, the Wolves fought and received their first win of the season.
It was a replenishing feeling. It brought along a new wave of confidence for the players and the coaches. Coach Singer was impressed and confident his team would win. After the game, he mentioned, “The difference was the guys being hungry, wanting to get this win. They came out and they ran the ball at us and we had some troubles, but the guys were able to get stuff done.” The players looked and felt like a brand new team, with better strategies and more perseverance. The Wolves’ Brenden Johnson was relieved, himself. Johnson stated, “I felt like it was a long time coming… It took us awhile to click, but we wanted this one more than anything.” The Wolves went on to celebrate their first win, and hope to see success for the rest of the season.
After three consecutive losses the ACHS Wolves shocked the Will C Wood Wildcats 42-29. It may have taken time, but the Wolves dusted the losses off their shoulders and proved what the pack is all about.
As the game unravelled, the Wolves faced adversity. The Wildcats’ offense was able to find their way around our pack, after the kickoff, all the way to the touch line for an early touchdown. The Wolves’ defenders knew it would not be an easy game, as Will C. Wood rushed plenty of yards against them. Although, Wolves’ running back, Eddie Byrdsong, was able to fight his way into the endzone. Following the icebreaker of touchdowns, the Wolves and Wildcats were exchanging touchdowns, back and forth. Brenden Johnson and Robbin Brown were both able to score touchdowns. During the last moments of the first half, the Wolves intercepted the Wildcats’ ball. There were seconds left of the half, when LaVar Seay was able to throw a long ball to Brown, who rushed into the endzone to end the first half on a good note.
The second half was slow, as some of the adrenaline decreased during halftime. Yet, it did not stop the Wolves from gaining more points. Another touchdown was scored by Eddie Byrdsong. When you have a soccer player as your kicker, it is almost a guaranteed extra point. Jose Lopez can’t seem to miss any opportunity for the extra point. The rest of the game consisted of one last exchange of touchdowns for both teams. Fortunately, the Wolves fought and received their first win of the season.
It was a replenishing feeling. It brought along a new wave of confidence for the players and the coaches. Coach Singer was impressed and confident his team would win. After the game, he mentioned, “The difference was the guys being hungry, wanting to get this win. They came out and they ran the ball at us and we had some troubles, but the guys were able to get stuff done.” The players looked and felt like a brand new team, with better strategies and more perseverance. The Wolves’ Brenden Johnson was relieved, himself. Johnson stated, “I felt like it was a long time coming… It took us awhile to click, but we wanted this one more than anything.” The Wolves went on to celebrate their first win, and hope to see success for the rest of the season.