This season has been tough to say least for Demon football. But win or lose, there is still tons of preparation that goes into each and every game, and a lot of heart that keeps players playing.

We asked four players to talk with The Demon Tattler about their lives in SFHS football.

What is your pregame routine?

Charly Skelton’s pregame routine is  watching game film and listening to music, specifically the songs “Shake That,” by Eminem, and “Enter Sandman,” by Metallica.

Joshua Graham prepares for games by reviewing the playbook, listening to music, and ensuring his mental state is in order.

As part of his pregame preparation, Sevastian Villaseñor does a workout on the sidelines “to open [his] hips.”

Pre-game for Gabriel Lomayestewa involves a variety of activities. First, he enjoys getting a good lift in with the team. Then, he’ll eat whatever the coaches make that night. Next, Gabe listens to music while trying to imagine his impact on the game to the best of his ability, to “maybe manifest a good vibe.”

What do you love most about playing?

Charly’s favorite part is “being able to hit people for 48 minutes.”

One of Josh’s favorite aspects of playing is the fact that he can always be himself and have fun. Josh also loves being around the other players.

Sevastian loves the adrenaline rush that playing football brings, such as when he hits someone or gets an interception.

Gabriel really enjoys the “being alive” feeling along with the fact that football is a very “therapeutic experience” for him while going outside to play the sport he loves.

How do you deal with the losses?

In Charly’s eyes, the losses really “suck,” especially as a senior. “But come Monday it rolls off your back and you start preparing for the next week,” he said.

Even though there has been quite a lot of losing this season, Josh tries to not let it bring him down but rather to encourage him to play better than the previous game.

After a loss, Sevastian gets very angry and doesn’t want to talk to anyone while he thinks about how he could’ve played better.

Looking at past games to find mistakes really helps Gabriel grow from the losses. Also, while dealing with losses, he tries his best to forget about it and move on to the next game.

Why do you play?

Charly’s main purpose for playing is pure enjoyment of the game. He wants to pursue coaching when he moves to Worcester, Mass., with his brother Josiah Griego.

Josh said he plays because “it gives me something to free my mind and be myself.”

Sevastian plays football because he has desired to for as long as he can remember, and now, he said, “I’m making that wish come true.”

Gabriel plays football because he enjoys the sport. He enjoys how playing helps him stay out of trouble and develops both his mental and physical strength.

Who’s your favorite teammate?

Cruz Graham is Charly’s favorite teammate. “The energy he brings and his personality can change a practice,” Charly said.

Josh’s favorite teammate is Alex Mora. “He’s just always so encouraging and always bringing us up to be better in games and practice,” Josh said.

Sevastian says his favorite teammate is Charly Skelton because “he encourages me to do better and is always encouraging.”

Gabe has two favorites, Anthony Trujillo and Michael Serrano. “They were the ones that greeted me and gave me that sense of comfort when I first started playing football,” Gabe said. This is also a big reason why Gabe made the transfer from the Santa Fe Indian School to Santa Fe High. 

What coach has been the most impactful for you?

Josh and Charly have been particularly impacted by Coach Freddie Abeyta. “He was my teacher and position coach for my sophomore year and he was always there, providing me with encouragement,” Charly said.

Josh agrees. He said Coach Abeyta “guides [him] to be better,” is “someone [he] can trust,” and someone who always “brings [him] up.”

Coach Brian Montoya has had the greatest influence on Sevastian because, he said, the coach “always helps me with any mistake I’ve made.” Additionally, he sees to it that Sevastian hones his skills, whether it be during a game or practice.

Gabriel has been most impacted by Coach Andrew Martinez. The coach, Gabe said, “keeps me in check.” In addition, Coach Martinez would also attend Gabe’s baseball games. “It was very good for me to know that he supported me in all the sports I played. It was very important to me.”