Looking at the outcomes of some early-season match-ups, the freshman team has faced tough opponents while almost always coming through with a win. Week One, the Sea Kings opened their season against Rancho Verde’s Mustangs, dominating 63-6. Week Two, the freshmen, along with junior varsity and varsity, traveled to Santa Barbara. The Sea Kings were able to put up a fight against the Dons and win their second game 20-12, bringing their team to an undefeated record of 2-0. Week Three then followed, happy to be on their home field, the freshman Sea Kings faced Loyola, shutting down the private school powerhouse 41-14. In Week Five, Tomas Melvin-Torres stole the spotlight with a one-handed touchdown catch, giving the Sea Kings a late spark as they tried to close the gap on Charter Oak’s lead in the fourth quarter. The Charter Oak Chargers were able to pull out a win against CdM’s Sea Kings, 28-14. Who knows what will be in store for the freshman Sea Kings further on?
Mason Anderson is a true all-around player for the freshman Sea Kings, taking on roles at tight end, free safety, strong safety, and even long snapper. “I enjoy being all around the field, playing both offense and defense. It’s really fun—you don’t get many breaks, but you’re running a lot, so it’s exciting,” Anderson explained, highlighting his versatility and enthusiasm for the game. When asked about the toughest game he’s played this season so far, he said, “I’d say Santa Barbara. You know, on the road, big game, a lot of pressure on you. We weren’t sleeping the best, weren’t prepared the best, but we pulled out with a win, so that was great.” Every athlete has a pre-performance ritual. Anderson shared his: “I always set out my gear the night before. I never liked to organize it on game day, so I set it out. I also normally eat at Jersey Mike’s every gameday.” Anderson hopes to keep contributing on both sides of the ball as the team faces tougher opponents ahead.
Defensive back and receiver Ryan Anthony thrives on the physical side of the game. “I like tackling the most,” he said, explaining that stopping opponents gives him a rush and helps the team stay strong on defense. To Anthony, the loss against Charter Oak’s Chargers was the toughest game yet. “Last week, we played a tough team; they were bigger, faster, so it was definitely a harder game for us.” When asked about his particular pre-game ritual, he simply said, “No, I don’t have a pre-game ritual, but normally with the team we like to listen to music in the locker room to get hyped.” Anthony is most excited to win a bunch more games this season.
TC Johnson plays running back as well as linebacker for the freshman Sea Kings and instantly impresses every game. “I enjoy hitting people the most,” he explained. Johnson agreed with his teammate Ryan Anthony, naming the Charter Oak Chargers as the toughest team he’s faced so far. Johnson explained, “They were a big, fast, tough team.” When asked about any pre-game rituals, he added, “It’s always good to listen to music before a game.” Johnson is looking forward to continuing to play with his friends, as well as the upcoming Battle of the Bay game.
Wide receiver Cody Grant is all about scoring touchdowns. For Grant, the toughest game his team has played, agreeing with his teammates was the game against Charter Oak, he said, “It was a tough loss.” Grant’s lucky tradition, to help him and his team stay hyped, is, “We listen to music in the locker room,” he said, later adding, “We listen to rap most of the time.” Looking further into the season, Grant is excited to get to know his teammates more, as well as hang out with them more.
Liam Clark, a wide receiver and cornerback for the freshman Sea Kings, says his favorite things about his positions are, “I love playing wide receiver because I get to catch the ball and do some cool moves each play. And corner is really fun because I get to hit people.” Clark’s answer stood out from the others when asked what he’s most looking forward to for the rest of the season. “I’m excited to see how we, as a team, develop, from the beginning of the season to the very end, and see how much better we’ve gotten.” Liam’s one pre-game ritual before every game is to pray.
CdM’s freshman starting quarterback, Reilly Moore, embraces the challenges and rewards of being QB1. “What I enjoy most about playing quarterback would be playing with my teammates, having fun, throwing touchdowns, and of course winning games,” he explained. Reflecting on the tough match-up against Charter Oak, Moore admitted, “It was a tough loss. They have a lot of really good players. Really good coaches. It was just a tough game overall, but I think we’ll be able to bounce back in the next game.” Looking ahead, he’s focused on growth and team spirit, saying, “I’m looking forward to getting better as a team, improving, and just having fun with my friends.” His most memorable highlight that stands out so far came against Trabuco Hills: “Last week, we had a 95-yard touchdown to Liam Clark, so that was the best one for me.”
Wide receiver Tomas Melvin-Torres says the best part of his position is the bond with the other receivers and the pure enjoyment of playing the game. Unlike many of his teammates, who pointed to Charter Oak, Melvin-Torres said the toughest game so far was against Trabuco Hills. “It was just a very physically demanding game, and they’re a tough team,” he explained. To get in the right headspace before kickoff, Melvin-Torres relies on music to stay focused: “I love listening to music before games and kind of just get in like a good area (state of mind) so I can be locked in.” His favorite moment of the season so far came against Charter Oak, when he made a big catch that stood out as a personal highlight. Looking ahead, Melvin-Torres is simply excited to keep doing what he loves. “What I’m most excited about for the rest of the season is probably just continuing to play the sport I love, and it’s a lot of fun. I just really enjoy it, I enjoy just having some good, fun, tough games.”
Beyond the wins and losses, what stands out most about the freshman Sea Kings is the bond they share on and off the field. Be sure to watch these freshmen Sea Kings against Newport Harbor for the game everybody anticipates, at CdM – Sea King Field, on October 11th at 3:15. No one would want to miss it.
