On Friday Nov. 1, the SCHS Bruins went head to head with Los Altos High School Eagles in a tight game. The stands were at the edge of their seats as both teams went back and forth throughout the game. After a tough battle, LAHS was able to win 10-6 over the Bruins.

SCHS struggled in the first quarter and were held scoreless in the first half. Even with an interception from senior Gabe Chavez early in the second quarter and a missed field goal from the Eagles, the Bruins were not able to capitalize. Head football coach and athletic director Nelson Gifford said there was no change in feelings for the game, even after coming from a two game winning streak. He treated this game like any other Friday night.

“We feel about this game the way we feel about every game,” Gifford said. “We go out there and try to compete as hard as we can for as long as we can and help things break our way.”

Senior Hamzah Punjsheri, a tight end for the Bruins, said he worked hard to prepare for the game. He practiced with his team and worked on some personal skills in order to play at his competitive best.

“Don’t stop, high-temper practice and drive as a team, grind as a team,” Punjsheri said. “Understand my opponent, understand my play book and my assignment, and I just get it done.”

With many key tackles by Chavez and stops by junior Kisione Tuiaki, the Bruins came in hot in the third quarter. Punjsheri made a catch, putting the Bruins closer to the end zone. Following the catch, starting quarterback, junior Damian Lopez, ran in for a touchdown, putting the Bruins on the board 7-6. After a lot of back and forth, SCHS lost with a final score of 10-6.

Punjsheri is grateful for many aspects of his life. Despite the loss, he has a positive outlook for the future.

“All I can say is shout out my coach, shout out God, shout out my family, shout out my team and shout out myself,” Punjsheri said. “We did it all, put ourselves on the line, just gotta keep on grinding in life.”