For the first time since 2002, Oakmont’s Varsity Vikings football team hosted the Dixon Rams in the first round of the CIF Sac-Joaquin Division 5 playoffs and came out on top.
It’s no lie that Oakmont football does not have the best reputation in terms of winning, with a 23 game losing streak from the past 2 years. However, this season it was obvious the Vikings came out with one goal in mind; change that reputation, and that they indeed did.
Previously in the Foothill Valley League, the Vikings went 0-10, even earning their own mock rivalry game, “The Toilet Bowl” against Lincoln, which they ultimately did not come out victorious in. This led to the common belief that Oakmont would never be in the playoffs nor would they even win a single game in preseason or regular season. To everyone’s delight, this belief was proven incredibly wrong.
Now in the Pioneer Valley League, the Vikings are dominating, going 5-2 in league and ending in 3rd place. This is much better compared to last year’s standing in the FVL of dead last. The new culture and attitude within the team promised to carry them far from the start and proved honest as they now enter section quarter finals against the Sutter Huskies.
“I feel ecstatic about being a part of this team. It’s a great feeling [and] it’s great for the community,” said senior quarterback Beau Ogles.
Oakmont’s stadium was packed on this historic Friday night, as all ages piled into the bleachers to witness this amazing team make its community proud. For the first time in what seemed like a long time, the stands were filled and people truly wanted to be out there, even in the cold, supporting their home team. This is testimony enough to just how much of an amazing turn around this season has been.
“I am extremely blessed and proud that I was able to be a part of this,” sophomore from J.V., Ocean Muñoz said.
Although only a part of varsity for a short while, Muñoz can already speak to the difference in this team that is to blame for the newfound success.
“The want that all the players have in the competition that we all have. . .We have a good group of guys and a good set of coaches,” said Muñoz.
As the Vikings set onto their next game against superiorly ranked Sutter Union High School, many still doubt their odds, but let their record and their spirit be proof enough to the strength and heart in every player and coach.
“We’re just going to take it one game at a time. Expectations are to win, so we’re going to work our hardest through any conditions, whatever atmosphere, to try to get the win,” said Ogles.
Win or lose, community wide, countless people are proud of the Oakmont Vikings and are filled with anticipation for the rest of playoffs, as well as what this amazing stint means for the progress of school spirit and sports programs. The Vikings have brought pride to not just their school, but their entire town, as they continue to battle and put their all into every game. Tonight, they leave it all on the field in a win-or-go-home game, as they take on the Huskies. Bleed blue vikes!
