Faga’itua High School’s Head Football Coach and Vice Principal Suaese “Pooch” Taase told his victorious Vikings that their win over the Tafuna High School Warriors was a “miracle” (vavega).

This past Saturday, the Veterans Memorial Stadium in Tafuna was ‘bleeding red’ with hundreds of Vikings supporters and fans waving homemade flags (red and white fabric pieces handpainted and attached to wooden sticks), screaming in excitement, and hoping that the ‘Toa o le Vasa’ would bring the coveted American Samoa High School Athletics Association (ASHSAA) football championship trophy back to the east side.

“What we pulled off today is a miracle,” Taase told his players after the game when the team gathered inside the Faga’itua High School gymnasium for a short prayer and pep talk. “If someone came up to me before the game and told me we were going to win without scoring a single point on offense, I would look at them like they were crazy.”

He said the most important thing to him is that his team went out there, executed a play that they learned while fooling around in the school gym, and they had fun doing it. “You guys did what you had to do and you are now and will always be champions.”

Saturday’s game started off on a high note for the Vikings, who came out strong and never looked back. The Faga’itua players came ready to battle, as evident in the fact that they controlled the scoreboard from beginning to end.

“Our defense deserves a lot of credit,” Taase told his players. “You are all champions, and nobody can ever take that away from you.”

The Vikings had a big lead heading into the second half of the game but Tafuna fought back, inching their way up to the final whistle, with a final score of 24-22 in favor of the ‘pride of the east side’.

Following the game, a motorcade of vehicles with blaring horns and screaming fans made the long trip home to Faga’itua. Many feared that a big fight would break out, as these were the same two teams that played against each other the week before, during which a scuffle that started on the field erupted into something bigger, with fans running from the stands and the police having to step in and break things up.

Although there was no repeat of that during Saturday’s game, Samoa News understands that rocks were thrown at the Faga’itua vehicles at the Stadium and in front of McDonald’s in Tafuna but nonetheless, the motorcade continued. On the east side of the island, red and white banners with messages like: “whatever it takes” and “Go Vikings” were hanging from coconut trees, bus stops, and utility poles.

Heading towards Aua and on to Lauli’i, traffic came to a standstill in certain areas as fans and supporters – young and old - crowded the roadsides clapping and welcoming the players. Taase’s vehicle, which led the parade, made numerous stops during the drive home as he stepped out to greet the fans with hugs, kisses, and a big ‘faafetai tele lava’ for their support.

A special stop was made in Onesosopo at the home of the late DPS Capt. Moleli Tavai who passed away earlier this year. Taase snapped photos of the trophy at Tavai’s gravesite as a ‘heartfelt tribute’ to a man who served as president for the Vikings’ Booster Club for three years prior to his death and whose three sons played for the Vikings football squad many years ago.

Arguably the winningest coach in Faga’itua High School history, Taase is looked upon by many east siders – even rival schools – as a hero. His calm demeanor, coupled with his drive to push the Vikings to the top year after year has garnered him a lot of respect and support.

“It’s such a wonderful thing to drive home and see old ladies and little kids standing out there cheering for us,” he told his players. “It should make you proud and it shows how strong our support unit is.”

 The motorcade continued through to Amaua and past the Faga’itua campus, as the championship trophy was paraded to the farthest east villages, where some of the players reside.

“For all you seniors, this is your last game as a Viking,” Taase told his players. “Always remember that today, you are a champion and this is something that belongs to you.”

The trophy finally made its way home to Faga’itua High School and the players gathered with the coaching staff, fans, and parents for a special prayer of thanksgiving.

There was a calm and somewhat spiritual feeling inside the gym as the players – and coaches – all held hands and sang a special hymn, followed by a short prayer offered by Taase.

As the football season ends, Taase encouraged the seniors to focus all their time and energy towards their academics, as he tries to assist them with getting recruited and accepted to colleges and universities off island.

Vikings offensive coordinator Bone Taase told the Samoa News that with the season now over, the goal is to get the players to sit and pass the Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT) which is an admission requirement for the majority of off island colleges.

“These guys can be in the best shape of their lives and rule on the football field but if they don’t pass the SAT, they are limited as far as college is concerned,” he told Samoa News. “You can pass, throw, tackle, and even win a championship title but if you can’t pass the SAT, that’s it.”

Taase encouraged his players to continue their celebrations in peace and stay safe. “This is your day, but don’t do anything stupid to ruin it. I don’t want to get a call from the EMS or the police telling me that some of you guys got hurt or have been arrested for doing something stupid.”

He continued, “Go home and spend time with your parents. While there, make sure you thank them for their support and everything they do for you.”

The next big event for the ASHSAA players is the upcoming East vs. West All Star Game and of course, the highly anticipated Samoa Bowl.

As the sun was slowly setting in the east side on Saturday, youngsters were still roaming the streets with their red and white t-shirts. There’s no telling how long the excitement will last but one thing’s for sure, the Toa o le Vasa is ecstatic to bring the title home — after many years of falling short - and they are going to do ‘whatever it takes’ to defend it next season.

Coverage of the 2014-15 ASHSAA football season has been brought to you by Coca-Cola and Powerade, distributed exclusively by GHC Reid & Co. Ltd. ‘Oloa O Leala’, Your Family of Fine Beverages.