After a close loss at the Homecoming game on Sept. 30, the varsity football team hopes to improve for the future, head coach David DeGeronimo said.

DeGeronimo said the game took an unexpected turn when starting quarterback Declan Packer exited the contest early due to a neck injury. 

Senior and running back Jack Newman assumed Packer’s role, which he said is an unfamiliar position for him. 

“It was stressful because I knew I’d have to go in and play some quarterback, Newman said. “But I had to take advantage of the opportunity.”

DeGeronimo said the team dealt with the unfortunate circumstance quite well and still managed to put up a fight.

“We had a nice game plan tonight, but that got sidetracked when our quarterback went down on the third play of the game,” DeGeronimo said. “We tried to grind it out, and the guys did a great job.”

Paly lost to Homestead 10-14, a tough loss for seniors playing their last Homecoming game, Newman said.

“It was kind of sad to go out like that, to be honest,” Newman said.  “It was pretty brutal.”

Though Paly lost, senior cheerleader Keeley Washington said the crowd was engaged and enjoyed the competitive match.

“The crowd was really good,” Washington said. “Everyone (was) super energized and excited. (It is) kind of sad that we lost, but it (was) fun.”

Now with a record of 1-4 for the season, Newman said the team has a lot to work on to achieve better results.

“We’ve got to step it up on offense,” Newman said. “I hope we can get back on it and win some games.”