The Shoemaker Bugle

By D.Higgins

Sometimes, when you start by taking even the smallest step, life has a way of reminding you that things are going to be okay if you just keep going.

Walking into John Glenn High School Stadium on Friday, March 26 was not only a return to a place that had not held a football game since October 18, 2019, it was also a return to a rare, official, in-person school event during the time of the Covid virus. As we enter the tail-end of this once-in-a-century pandemic, a small crowd of dedicated students, athletes, cheerleaders, alumni, parents, teachers, and staff, showed up to cheer on the Eagles in their 605-League contest against the Cerritos Dons.

Even the security guards and administrators greeted guests at the gates with smiling eyes, voices muffled behind their masks and agreeing that, “It’s so nice to see you again.” Fans politely clapped and cheered, proud of their Eagles for showing up and doing their best for new head coach, Mr. David Cruz.

By all accounts, everything went smoothly. People cooperated by wearing masks, keeping socially distant from others, and coming in and out of the stadium with orderly understanding. There were no major injuries to report, players were largely respectful, and everybody in attendance got to experience an honest-to-goodness football game under Friday night lights on a beautiful spring evening. What more can you ask?

The results of the game are secondary to the uniqueness of the event. It doesn’t really matter that the visiting Dons ran roughshod over the Eagles young defense, rushing for six touchdowns by halftime. The powerful Cerritos attack was led by junior running back Connor DeFrain, whose 2 touchdowns matched starting quarterback David Sagun for the team lead. By the time it was over, the scoreboard read that the visitors won by a final score of 56-0.

With only six seniors on the roster–led by quarterback Matthew Huxtable, wide receiver Rafael Valdez, and team captain Anthony Lira–this young Eagles team has a long way to go to reclaim the glory of 605-League Championships and CIF Playoff appearances.

But, in the end, the important part is that they took that important first step. Didn’t we all?

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