Proving that it’s never too early for football, Samohi is holding its second annual Blue vs. Gold Scrimmage on campus this Saturday at 11 a.m.
Aside from the scrimmage, the event, open to the public, will serve as a tribute to the late Norm Lacy, the school’s long-time athletic director who passed away from heart failure last May. The team’s coaching staff will also be raising funds for Cody Williams, a graduating senior who suffered a traumatic spinal injury during the 2009 season. He has made great improvement, but the need to raise funds for his continued rehabilitation is still a priority for the football program and its boosters.
As for the scrimmage itself, Head Coach Travis Clark said he’s looking forward to seeing the progress his team has made since finishing last season 6-4.
Clark is particularly interested to see what quarterback Christian Salem can do as the new starter. The senior-to-be will be replacing Rhys Gervais, last year’s QB, who transferred to Dorsey.
“Salem has worked his butt off for three years,” Clark said. “I have to give this kid an opportunity.”
The scrimmage will also be a debut of sorts for transfers London Lewis (running back from Servite) and Sebastian Larue (wide receiver from Orange Lutheran). He expects both to compete for playing time and is keenly interested to see what Lewis adds to a backfield that includes standouts Kori Garcia and Donovan Citrowski.
“We have a great group of backs returning,” Clark said. “I’m excited to see what they do.”
Samohi opens the season on Sept. 9 against Leuzinger.