San Marino High School’s varsity football team is enduring what is known in the sports lingo as a “rebuilding year,” with just eight seniors and two returning starters in a sport that is as experience-heavy as they get. Head Coach Justin Mesa lauds his squad for its never-say-die attitude, and more than partly responsible for that approach are Seths Matzumoto and Canul, who share many characteristics aside form their unique first name. Both are seniors, returning starters and were selected to be co-captains for the 1-6 Titans, who travel to South Pasadena on Friday night for the annual Border War with the Tigers.
Canul, an offensive guard and defensive nose tackle, is never far from the ball before or after the snap and likewise, Matzumoto—the team’s Mike, or middle linebacker—always seems to find his way to the pigskin, usually arriving with bad intentions. The duo shares another sentiment: huge respect from their coach.
“Seth [Canul] shows up every day to work hard and genuinely tries to do everything right,” said Mesa. “He is what we call a program or a team guy. He is one of those guys who has the team in mind in all that he does.”
Scott Daves Photo
Mesa also touted Canul’s leadership skills.
“Seth is highly respected by his teammates and the coaching staff,” Mesa continued. “There is a reason he was voted as one of the captains. He is a leader and if guys aren’t locked in, he tries to get them back. He has all of the intangibles and is a really tough guy. If he is banged up, he continues to fight through the pain. He is selfless.”
Matzumoto might be a little less fiery on the outside, but the Titans’ leading tackler is as competitive as the come.
Scott Daves Photo
“Seth [Matzumoto] is a quiet guy, but he is also very coachable,” Mesa said. “He is willing to be corrected and always willing to learn more about the game of football. Seth has been willing to do everything we have ever asked of him and is a warrior out there on the football field.”
Mesa mentioned an incident that took place last Friday night that crystallized Matzumoto’s approach to the game.
“We were down 35-0 and I thought I would just take him out of the game to give him a breather,” Mesa explained. “Seth didn’t like that at all and he wanted to go back in the game. Of course I sent him back in and he played as hard as you can play.”
“A blessing,” Mesa said, when asked to sum up his feelings about the two Seths.
