Audrey Williams
Staff Writer
Mira Costa football started this year with a different face as the starting quarterback, junior David Arredondo.
Former Mustang and starting quarterback, senior Jacob Silvera, made the decision to trade in his green and gold jerseys for red and white ones when he transferred schools to Costa’s rival, Redondo Union High School. Silvera is currently the starting quarterback for Redondo and has won two games for the Seahawks.
“I was really surprised that Silvera left,” Arredondo said. “I didn’t think he would leave for his senior year and go to our cross town rival.”
California Interscholastic Federation (CIF) rules state that if a student transfers schools into another district without moving into the district area, they cannot participate in games for 30 days. This is called a sit out period. However, in order to become exempt from this rule, Silvera’s family had to move to Redondo.
“Silvera qualifies under a valid change of residents,” vice principal John Shaw said. “This means that his entire family moved from Manhattan Beach to Redondo. “By CIF rules, Silvera is permitted to play.”
In spite of Silvera’s absence on the field, the Mustangs started out the season strong with a win against Torrance, 55-14. Arredondo led the team to victory once again,17-14, against La Serna.
“I felt during last year’s season, the team took the game results too leniently and didn’t give their maximum effort,” Arredondo said. “This year, I feel very confident and comfortable with the group of guys’ effort.”
Arredondo played on junior varsity as starting quarterback and kicked for Varsity. This year, his goals are to improve Costa’s record from previous year and make it to California Interscholastic Federation.
“All of our players have strengths and as a team, we have to use everyone’s strengths to our advantage in order to play a great game,” Arredondo said.
Arredondo has worked hard the past years, focusing all his energy on football and baseball. His arm is one of his major strengths in both sports. Arredondo plays pitcher, as well as infield and outfield on Costa’s varsity baseball team.
“I feel very blessed to have the arm strength that God has given me,” Arredondo said. “I have had to work very hard to be where I am now on the team, whether Jacob left or not.”
With last years record of 3-7 and inability to make it to CIF, the Mustangs hope to come back stronger with Arredondo. Redondo and Costa’s will go head to head against each other on Nov. 6.
“What a great place to be in when your most difficult decision is choosing between Costa and Redondo,” principal Ben Dale said. “We have our rivalry and that is what it is, but if that’s your biggest decision, that’s a pretty good life.”
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