The Nitro football team had worked hard during the offseason in preparation for their first game versus the Eagles of Gabrielino High School. When “the day of the day” came on the 19th of August, the Nitros came up short against the Eagles, and started their season with a tough loss. 

Although the Nitros lost in a close one, the players, including senior captain Jayden Wilia, are still in high spirits and full of hope. They are also looking forward to a turning point to their “Last Ride” season.

Jayden was born in Glendale, and he enjoys playing football, playing video games and watching movies. He attended Glendale Adventist Academy from elementary school, all the way up to the eight grade.

Jayden has been playing football since the sixth grade. His playing career started because of his family, especially his father, who played for the GHS football team back in the 1980’s, when they had more success on the field. 

Jayden and his family would watch Sunday Night Football games, and that’s what inspired Jayden to play football himself. “I remember when my parents were watching football, they would always cheer, and the game looked fun, so I always wanted to play football.” 

Jayden’s favorite things about football are hitting people and “running for 100 yards”. He stated, “I like to hit because it is the best part of the sport. There is no point in playing if you play soft.”

But, with the good comes with the bad. Jayden doesn’t enjoy losing and doesn’t like it when players around him don’t give a full effort, like he does. This has caused losses on Friday nights.

This year Jayden has high hopes, and he has his mind set for winning for the rest of the season. “Hopefully we can bounce back and win next week and build off that win,” he said. “That would put some of the players in a winning spirit and keep them hungry and motivated for the following week and the rest of the season.”

With some players frustrated and in disbelief about their rough start, some have blamed the coaching staff for their play calling. However, Jayden disagrees “with this” and he trusts his head coach and the rest of the coaching staff to do their jobs, in order to win and have a successful season. Jayden also mentioned that, in order to win, “everyone has to do their job and execute on both sides of the ball.”

As this is the last year of GHS football for Jayden, he is hungry and motivated and wants to bring that positive attitude to his senior year. “I have to give it my all, and leave everything on the field,” he said. He also hopes to “leave no doubt on the field.” 

The Nitros are scheduled to play their fifth game of the season at home tonight versus the Aztecs of Azusa, and they are hoping to win their first game of the season. They have the intention to “leave no DOUBT on who the better team is on Friday.”