Samuel Kaplan
Sports Editor
In just two years, the Milken football program has gone from flag football to qualifying for the division one 8-man tackle CIF playoffs. After an inaugural season full of blowout losses and injuries, the Wildcats made a spectacular turnaround in their second season. Going undefeated in its first five games, the Wildcats were able to ride that streak and make the playoffs for the first time in school history.
Led by quarterback Jason Welsh ’13 and running back/wide receiver Gabe Freeman ’13, the Wildcats were able to score on nearly every offensive possession, averaging nearly 34 points per game. Welsh scored 23 touchdowns, 20 of them in the air and only threw five interceptions. Freeman set school records with scoring 17 touchdowns this season and 28 for his career.
“This season was awesome. The guys, the games, the coaches, I couldn’t have imagined anything better,” Welsh said.
While the offense was nothing short of great, the defensive side of the ball was also much improved for the Wildcats who struggled last year. Jonah Resnick ’13, a senior captain, was an integral part in helping the Wildcats improve their tackling this season. The Wildcats gave up on average a touchdown less per game than the year before.
A major part of the team’s success this year can be attributed to the many first-year seniors that player. Jonah Lavin ’13 and Harris Girocco ’13 made immediate impacts on the field on both ends of the ball.
One of the biggest concerns looking forward for Milken football is the loss of 10 seniors. The younger players will have to really step up next year and will have to encourage many new Wildcats to strap on a helmet. Slater Girocco ’15 will most likely be taking over at quarterback, and Jake Flesher ’15 is set for a big season at running back as well.
Milken Video News End of Football Highlights by Joel Seligman: