Samo defeats Hueneme in the Viking Bash.

Samo drove up the PCH on friday night with high expectations, as they matched up with the Red Vikings of Hueneme. As the boys drove up to Oxnard, they we're looking to finish non-league with a perfect 5-0 record for the first time since 2008. Hueneme on the other hand we're looking for their first win of the season, as the Red Vikings had scheduled tough competition and flunked through their games, going winless through four contests. 

Hueneme received the ball to start the game, and started with a bang, obtaining a fifty yard return. Despite this though, the Viking defense would recover and after a couple penalties forcing Hueneme back, the Red Vikings we're put in a 4th and 20 outside of field goal range. Hueneme threw it deep down the field where the ball was intercepted by Charles Cravings (Class of 2025 SS/WR). In Samo's first drive, the Vikings could not get out of their tough starting position at the five obtaining a string of penalties forcing them to punt. Hueneme responded however after the punt as their rushing attack dominated down the field. The Vikings defense couldn't stop Robert Maria (Class of 2024 RB), as his downhill running pounded the Vikings throughout the game. Santa Monica was bailed out because of a penalty but on a long third and goal, Hueneme busted Samo's coverage as Lance Olivares (Class of 2025 QB) found his receiver  in the front of the endzone. Hueneme went up 7-0, the first time Samo had trailed since playing Calabasas. In Spite of the early woes, Samo found a drive of it's own as Caden McCallum (Class of 2024 RB/LB) and his stellar offensive line ran down the field. When Hueneme had to commit to the run however, Wyatt Brown (Class of 2026 QB) dropped back to pass and found Griffin Seals (Class of 2024 WR). Seals leaped over his defender on the streak, scoring the Vikings first points of the game, and bringing them level in the Viking Brawl.

In the Second quarter, Samo forced a three and out, giving them the ball back. Looking to score again the Vikings we're within the five yard line when suddenly a wayward snap went over Wyatt Brown's head. In the madness to recover the ball, Hueneme's Leo Garcia (Class of 2024 OL) ended up picking up the ball and was running like the great Vince Wilfork before getting tracked down around mid-field. Hueneme would put another compelling drive together getting all the way down to the six. Although the Vikings bend but don't break defense would stand tall as on fourth and goal Ryland Hawkins (Class of 2024 OL/DE) would get to the Hueneme quarterback. Samo would drive down the field once again, as Caden McCallum (Class of 2024 RB/LB) would power his way in from five yards out. This would then lead to halftime, as Samo was up 7 in the Viking bash. 

In the second half, Samo received the ball and started a good drive down the field. This however would again lead to a red zone fumble recovered by Hueneme. After a three and out from the Red Vikings, Samo again would have another great drive down the field. This time however, no fumbles we're made as Wyatt Brown (Class of 2026 QB) found Caden McCallum (Class of 2024 RB/LB) from a couple yards out wide open next to the front pile on put Samo up 14. The Vikings would then force another Hueneme three and out, leading to the fourth quarter. 

On the second play of the quarter, Wyatt Brown (Class of 2026 QB) laid a picturesque ball out to Griffin Seals (Class of 2024) from forty five yards out to put Samo up 21. In the dying moments for Hueneme, to keep them in the game, the Red Vikings went for it on forth and ten from mid field. However their prayers we're relinquished as Samuel Reynoso (Class of 2025 ATH) and Jayden Montañez (Class of 2024 DE/TE/OT) found Lance Olivares (Class of 2025 QB) and combined in bringing him to the ground. On the next drive, Brown would again find Seals on a long bomb, to put Samo up twenty-eight. The game was then finished by an interception by Darian Hawkins (Class of 2026 FS/WR) that was batted up by David Solis-Valdovinos (Class of 2024 WR/DB). 

Final- Santa Monica 35 Hueneme 7

The Vikings went perfect in their non-league schedule! In spite of the poor performance on friday night, the Vikings still prevailed handedly showing an ability in their players on how to handle adversity early on. Samo however now must prepare for their third home game, as they open league vs Palos Verdes. The Sea Kings are ranked within the top 25 of the state, and they are on a roll as well being 5-0 in their own right. Turnovers and a lackluster run defense will not be good enough if the Vikings expect to beat Palos Verdes, a team who has not only won the bay league eight of the last nine years, but a team who has dominated Samo ever since it's return to the Bay only four years ago.

Article Written by Theo Dowling, Editor and Chief of the SamoSportsBlog.