Since the beginning of the season, the Rams have maintained a close 7-10 score. Most recently, the Rams suffered losses to Monrovia, La Canada and the San Marino.
The Rams started strong during their game against San Marino on Jan. 27. However, despite their best efforts, the Titans scored first and continued to press forward with an aggressive offense. Infiltrating the team’s weakened defense, the Rams were unable to counter the impetus and ultimately lost 5-1.
“We didn’t play as well as we can,” Coach Shane Watkins said. “We were underwhelmed, but I’m happy with their efforts.”
The team would only get a moment of reprieve before facing the La Cañada Spartans on Jan. 29. During the game, the Rams initially matched the Spartans neck to neck with a score of 1-1 by halftime, but lost their momentum during the second half, causing them to lose 5-1.
During the game with Monrovia on Feb. 3, the Wildcats remained in control of the game, intercepting the ball from the Rams. The fierce speed and quick passes from the Wildcats overwhelmed the Rams, ending the game with a 5-1 loss for the Rams. When reflecting on the match, Head Coach Watkins attributes the loss to experience.
“The team is young and inexperienced. “Coach Watkins said. “They don’t have the mental toughness to play out the entire game. I think the players need more experience than the four months of the season.”
The Rams developed various strategies to compensate for their lack of experience. One particular favored strategy is gaining possession of the ball near the team’s goalpost and sending it to the front, giving the the team chances for goals. The Rams hone and perfect this strategy by both practicing and viewing videos of previous matches.
“To fix our faults we focus deeply on the recently failed tactics,” Senior Caleb Yamamoto said. “Our coach gives the team visual and verbal strategies on how to make sure these mistakes never happen again.”
The team remains optimistic about their chances of earning a position in C.I.F.s. With their strategies and determination, the Rams hope to storm the competition there.
“I feel our team goal is to get into a position to qualify for C.I.F. and go beyond in that tournament,” Junior John Simpson said. “I believe we still have a chance of making it if we play good.”
Despite their recent losses, the team spirit remains unbreakable.
“The part that I like the best is the friendships that I make on the team,” Senior Nichan Dakramanjian said. “It’s like we’re all brothers.”