In a night of quick thinking and intense focus, the varsity Academic Team faced off against Carlsbad High School in their first home match of the season, ultimately falling 86-30. Despite the loss, the Falcons ended the match with a new determination for the season ahead.
Carlsbad took an early lead, prompting the Falcons to call their first timeout at 26-2. The starting lineup — captain Collier Lawson (11), Zain Mehio (12), Cecelia Colangeli (11), Zach Dawson (12) and Jack Sheehy (12) — regrouped to close the gap.
“It’s really easy to get in your head and think, ‘Well, I guess we’re not going to do very well,’” Lawson said. “But it’s important to take a step back and focus on what you did well. Then, for the things you could have done better, make a note of them and adjust for the next match.”
By the second timeout, with the Falcons trailing 46-13, the team made substitutions. Matias Chinchilla (12) and Kei Tashiro (12), starters in the team’s previous match, joined the team at the buzzers.
“I think they reacted and responded well,” Colin Cornforth, varsity head coach, AP U.S. History and U.S. History teacher, said. “They were among those who got those last three toss-up questions, and they finished the game really well.”
During the third timeout, Eamon Moore (12), Joy Ma (12) and captain Chloe Clements (11) took their seats at the buzzer. The Falcons lost their chance to answer a couple of times due to mistakes, including team members speaking without the captain’s deferral and continuing discussions after the timer expired.
“This was unusual because typically we’re pretty good about listening to the moderator,” Clements said. “But I think we were kind of shaken up this match. The other team was obviously doing really well, and we were trying to get our answers in the time we were given.”
In the final minutes, they secured the last three toss-up questions and earned full points on one of the bonus questions. Lawson described how in these fast-paced matches, split-second decisions are key.
“There’s a word that will come to your brain, and you just pray it’s the right one,” Lawson said. “If it’s the wrong one, you’re not going to be able to think of anything else.”
Cornforth, who has coached the varsity team for three years, commended the team’s perseverance.
“Sometimes you’ll see kids sort of lean back and check out, but they continued to battle, even though it was a very tough match,” Cornforth said. “We finished strong which is always nice to feel like you kind of end on a positive note, even in a match that didn’t go the way you wanted it to.”
The Academic Team members practice three hours weekly after school on Monday and Tuesday, and hold an additional buzzer practice during lunch. Members also study current events, an essential category, as questions change with each match.
“By the end of the week, most of the kids are putting about five hours in at minimum,” Cornforth said. “Some of the players have gone above and beyond and I’ve given them homework assignments that I know they’ve gone and done.”
Looking ahead, the team plans to focus on literature questions — an area that challenged both teams in this match — and practice buzzer speed. Many times, the team knew the answer, but buzzed “just a little behind,” according to Cornforth.
Their preseason tournament performance, where one of their four teams placed fourth out of 16, demonstrates their potential.
“I love the team, [they’re a] solid group of kids,” Cornforth said. “I think they work really well together. I think they communicate well in matches, and I’m looking forward to seeing them continue to grow, continue to progress and continue to enjoy the season.”
While the season has started with tough competition, the Falcons remain motivated. In their next match, they will face off against the Mavericks on Thursday at La Costa Canyon High School.
“We’ve started the season with a lot of hard teams,” Clements said. “We’ve had a rough start, but we’re motivated and we’re ready to keep going.”
For many members, the camaraderie within the team is just as valuable as, if not more valuable than, the competition itself.
“Honestly, I personally feel like [joining Academic Team] is one of the best decisions I’ve made in high school,” Lawson said. “I know that’s really cheesy, but some of my best memories are from [Academic] Team.”
Clements, who joined the team with Lawson as freshmen, echoed the same sentiment.
“I think the best thing about this team is the camaraderie and the friends that you make,” Clements said. “So that’s why losses aren’t really a super big deal, because obviously we want to do well, but it makes it easier when you have someone to turn to after the match.”
