UMA’s football team ended Homecoming Spirit Week with an dominant win of 52-12 over her sister school, Camp Williams on October 3rd. New cadet transfer, running back Papataia Owda finished the game with five touchdowns and over 200 yards rushing. “What enabled me to have such a good game was the fact that Camp Williams was the school I transferred from [and] I was excited to play and prove to them that the North Campus is better.”
Though Cadet Owda carried the team to their win, and it was a major game for him. “I’m surprised that I got five touchdowns while playing high school football. It wasn’t that bad of a game.” Coach Jed Davies added, “[Owda] has a lot of natural talent. I’m really proud of him.”
Cadet Owda almost didn’t play this season. He didn’t join the team until halfway through the season. “I was able to convince my mom. I had an injury over the summer, and she didn’t want me to get hurt.”
The Thunderbird offense was extremely potent. With a total of 48 plays, 15 first downs, 8 big plays over 15 yards, 22 rush yards, and 7 total touchdowns, it was a big win against the struggling Mauraders. Freshman quarterback Davian Tiznado conducted the offense for the Thunderbirds. “From the first play, we were ready. Before hand, we had scouted the defense, and we practiced what would work against their defense.”
Cadet Tiznado admits that preparation is the key to success. “Every day in practice I work on my throwing form, making sure I can throw and get the ball where it needs to be. I work on footwork and breathing techniquest, and I focus on how to work, scramble, and throw in a corrupted pocket. I focus on making sure my teammates and everyone on the team thrives as one.”
The football program’s first year at UMA has been a memorable one. The coaches, school, administration, faculty and cadets have been very excited about the inaugural season. “It kinda seems like we are a real school now,” said one cadet.
Winning the Homecoming football game was a tremendous way to transition into a great Homecoming dance, held two days after the game on October 5th. With the new football program, UMA’s traditions will forever change and evolve into much more!
