Mt. Carmel Sundevils Football Looking to Bounce Back
I am currently visiting San Diego with my friend and his family, and he was telling me about Mt. Carmel High School, the school he was supposed to have attended if he didn’t move to the Bay Area. Part of the Palomar league, the Mt. Carmel Sundevils football team went 3-3 this past season and finished fourth in their league.
Starting quarterback Carson Taumoepeau had a great senior season with 14 total TDs and almost 1,350 total yards, and he has committed to Arkansas State to continue his football career.
It remains to be seen who will be under next season as the Mt. Carmel starting quarterback, but the program has been consistent with their quarterback production and should have no problem finding a worthy successor to Taumoepeau.
While going 3-3 probably wasn’t the season the Sundevils had envisioned going into Week 1, they did defeat archrival Westview 21-0 in their season finale. They did only go 2-3 in their league, but I expect them to be back next year looking to improve that league record and once again defeat Westview in the rivalry game.
My friend’s brother used to play football for the Sundevils back in the late 2000’s, and he tells me about how lively and intense game days were, especially compared to the game days in my high school in the Bay Area.
Checking out the campus, I can see why it would be a fun place to go to school and play football. Absolutely fantastic weather all year round, never too hot or too cold. From what my friend told me, a very loyal fanbase and lots of school support and school spirit. The bleachers for the home team’s side are massive and usually filled to the brim on game days. I saw the spot where my friend and his family used to sit every Friday to cheer on his brother as he would gash opposing defenses on the ground.
I do not have much to compare this stadium and program to, as many of the high schools in my area did not take football very seriously and investment by the school and the fans was very low. So I am glad to see the Sundevils are passionate about their program.
Mt. Carmel may not be part of the Trinity League, Southern California’s football country, but they are definitely a quality program that is ranked in the top 350 in the state. Head coach John Anderson will have the team ready to compete come fall.
While the Sundevils were not in the playoffs this past season, every season is a brand new chapter, and they have the opportunity to write a different story next year.
Written by: Siddarth Srivastava
