The Palo Alto High School varsity football team has high hopes entering this season following a winless 0-10 campaign last year. New head coach Edward Tonga is aiming to bring more than just wins to the team, encouraging a change in culture within the program.
According to Tonga, taking a step back and prioritizing the team’s culture is the first step toward rebuilding the football program.
“My first goal as a coach was to give these guys a culture shock,” Tonga said. “We need to take a couple more steps back before engaging with the teaching of football. Learning how to be respectful, learning how to have chemistry with each other and, on and off the field, being a good human being. All these things count.”
Senior quarterback and varsity football captain Justin Fung said that there has been noticeable improvements to the energy and chemistry of the team.
“There’s been a big shift within the team culture,” Fung said. “The largest improvements have been the intensity of our practice and the chemistry we’ve built. Everyone is always working hard during practice.”
Tonga said that after coming off a rough season, it is important to prioritize team chemistry.
“After last year’s season, they don’t feel like they need to owe anybody,” Tonga said. “But we all know that it takes a team to be on the field — it takes 11.”
According to junior running back Kaleb Osotonu, the team is excited to have a fresh start after last year’s winless season.
“I’m excited to show up and show out this season,” Osotonu said. “Coming back from an 0-10 season, it’s time to flip things around and to show what Paly football is really about.”
As Tonga looks to establish a new culture within the program, he said he expects his players to prioritize their connection with one another.
“My expectation is the chemistry, the culture and the brotherhood,” Tonga said. “I’m expecting a lot of that from them when it comes to the field and off the field.”
According to Fung, the Vikings hard work at practice will eventually pay off.
“We are going to keep working hard, keep our heads down, and it’ll show eventually,” Fung said.
The Vikings are set to kick off their season in a non-league game at 4 p.m. Thursday against the Leigh High School Longhorns at home.
