Teammates on the Field, Brothers for Life #Bleedpurple for Life
This year’s seniors and underclassmen share their experiences, emotions, and bonds throughout the 2022 season.
Twenty-eight years ago, Forrest Gump and Lion King came out, Brazil won the FIFA World Cup, and Bell made it into their last football semifinals…
…until this year.
Bell’s 2022 “football” season was memorable, especially for the class of 2023. The overall season was a 5-8 score, which includes playoffs. Coaches and players agreed that this season was indeed a rollercoaster, with many ups and downs, as well as many obstacles in the way.
“Making it to the semi-finals was definitely the biggest highlight of this season,” Head Coach Noel Padilla said.
Many Seniors, as well as underclassmen, talked about their injuries, as well as the emotions they felt in their season.
“It was a great historic run-lots of ups and downs,” Senior Captain Shaun Rodiguez aka “Seangry” shares. “I hurt my shoulders and knees. It was tiring and somewhat stressful.”
Some had their season brought to an end due to serious injuries. “The season was very short for me, but I enjoyed my time,” senior Jesus Bravo says. “It felt like seeing my team play, I wanted to be out there, but I couldn’t because I got injured, cutting my season very short.”
Center Darron Herrera felt closest to fellow players Frankie Hernandez and Gian Carlos. “I felt more of a connection with them than with anyone else. Win or lose, we know to keep going forward,” he said.
D-Tackler, Raul Sanchez bonded the most with Harold (‘#empanada’) Lopez. “Coming into football, Harold was the only one playing in that position with me. We clicked after that.”
Sophomore running back Eric Stubbs (aka Tubbs) was closest to “Devin Lopez; we played the same position and he gave me tips.”
Though their season ended due to the sorrowful loss they had, all the blood, sweat, and tears they shared, impacted a team whose bonds stretched far beyond the typical fellow teammate. The Bell Eagles football team, especially that of the 2022 season, has left a memorable impact on this “brotherhood,” not just on the field, but off it as well.
Darron Herrera • Jun 1, 2023 at 2:14 pm
I love this story. It’s great to know history was made from over 20 years. Bell hasn’t always been known for their football, but I’m glad to be apart of a team that got known as a laughing stock team to all other high schools and make them know what Bell Eagles are really about. This story made my day and truly gives me inspiration for future Eagles. They thought we wouldn’t get far, they were right, we went even further.
Miguel V • May 25, 2023 at 2:38 pm
I learned that our school hasn’t made it to the semi finals in 20 years.I also learned “The Bell Eagles football team, especially that of the 2022 season, has left a memorable impact on this “brotherhood,” not just on the field, but off it as well.”
Carlos Virgen • May 25, 2023 at 12:31 pm
Ms. Molina Rodriguez Period: 5th
The article is about Coach Noel Padilla. They play football. They made it to the semifinals after 28 years. This is impressive. The team seems to be united.
kenny • May 25, 2023 at 9:03 am
Some things I learned from this very article is that the last time Bell was in their semi finals was 28 years ago. Also I learned about friendship in football. Also I learned the team record was 5-8
Edwin Arzate Ms. Vargas-Howard Period.1 • May 24, 2023 at 10:04 am
This was a very well written article as it highlights Bell High school’s ups this year and also their downs. Not only that, it also showcases players and what they have to say on how they improved this year. Furthermore this artical gives details on how players were able to get better apart from the coaching staff. For example Sophomore running back Erick stubbs says “Devin Lopez; we played the same position and he gave me tips.” This show that he wanted to improve on his game as he went out of his ways asking for tips.
Israel Perez Salas • May 22, 2023 at 4:43 pm
I found it interesting that Eric Stubbs made it into the running back position as a sophomore.
Andy • May 22, 2023 at 9:58 am
I liked that people got close because of the sport. The other thing I liked was how people in the sport gave tips on the ones that needed help. I have a question did the players stress themselves when playing.