As the class of 2025 gets closer to the end of their adolescence and the start of adulthood, many start to live in the moment and make the most of the little time that they have left. Nostalgia floods our thoughts and all of a sudden, we are taken back to those simpler days, playing in the playground and hanging out with our childhood friends.
Some Alisal seniors have decided to throw it back to their 2nd-grade memories of playing soccer and create a soccer team as one last hurrah before they graduate high school and start off their adulthood.
Tigres del Norte started off with seniors Josue Tapia, Alexis Perez, Rodolfo “Pachecita” Pacheco, David Vera, Andrei “The Lorax” Medrano, Hugo Avelar, Misael Sanchez, Rolando “Rolex” Chavez, Richard, Christopher “Guera” Perez, Christopher Bautista and Ruben “Vieja” Delgado deciding they wanted to play soccer together before they graduate. They have games almost every weekend either at El Sausal Middle School or at the Constitution Soccer Complex. The season lasts from September to late February. Pacheco had to quit the team due to making it on the Varsity soccer team here in Alisal.
The soccer team’s name might remind many of the “Tigres del Norte” band. However, the name “Tigres del Norte” derives from the school mascot that the majority of them attended: Alisal Elementary School, home of the Tigers. “We all came up from the mud,” Ruben Delgado said, “We started playing in dirt fields with no shoes.”
They played together throughout elementary school, but the group broke apart when they all went to different middle schools in Salinas. When they reunited again at Alisal, the boys would play soccer just for fun. However, when they were playing soccer in the backfield of Alisal this past summer, their enjoyment of playing together caused Christoper Perez to propose the idea of playing in the local soccer league. “Everyone just kind of agreed with the idea, so we got started with putting the team together,” he said.
Making a team is not that easy though. There were dues to be paid and a uniform to be made. In the course of 3 months, the boys were able to put together 100 dollars each for registration and an additional 40 dollars for the uniforms.
The team was officially formed inside the engineering classroom. Videos from their Instagram page show different players being signed to the team. With a crumpled piece of paper, a pink LED pencil, and a dynamic group of boys, Tigres Del Norte was created. In September, the boys were able to play their first game.
Although their Instagram page has Delgado listed as the team captain, the players describe the team as a democracy. “There is no leader of the group,” Medrano said. However, there have been conversations of adding a coach to the team. “We were thinking of having Pacheco’s dad as our coach,” Alexis Perez said, “He goes to our games frequently but it’s still a work in progress.”
They are currently in the Monterey County Soccer Club, playing in Division 3. However, instead of being in the Boys’ Division, they participate in the Men’s Division. Their competition ranges from teenage boys, like them, to men who could be their fathers. “Adults have more passion about the game,” Alexis Perez said, ”If we played against teenagers, it wouldn’t be the same because adults are sore losers compared to teenagers, who aren’t as fazed by losing.”
Their current record is 3-2-6, placing 9th in the league. To make it to the playoffs, they have to make it into the top 5. Alexis Perez is hopeful. “We have a shot for sure, but we need to start winning all of our games.”
Players such as David Vera have stood out significantly this season. “Vera stands out in the field and in class,” Medrano said, “He’s for sure the player who has most improved throughout the season.” Christopher Perez is also ranked as top scorer, according to the Monterey County Soccer Club website. “Our top player is for sure Christoper Perez,” Pacheco said.
Their Instagram page has garnered quite a good amount of engagement. The most popular video, acquiring almost 4,500 views, was able to catch the attention of many at school. “When I first watched the video, I was very amused,” classmate Ayleen Campa said, “Every clip showed a person I recognized and personally knew that made me curious to see how well my classmates would be able to perform.”
Many of those who have attended Tigres del Norte games grew up with the boys playing. The creation of the team hasn’t been only special just to the boys, but also to those who support them. Through their wins, losses, and all, their high school friends have been able to enjoy those last memories of senior year alongside them, creating bittersweet memories and inside jokes that they will remember throughout the years.
To say their soccer season has been eventful is an understatement. When playing against Los Cachorros in the Salinas High School Pit, an argument broke out between the teams. “They couldn’t play with their feet so they played with their hands,” Delgado said. The game ended in a tie, adding a 3rd tie to the boys record.
The uncertainty of them reaching playoffs and the winter season of the Monterey County Soccer Club ending soon, leaves the team playing their final games. Although they might not have had the most successful season, the boys still enjoyed their time playing. They made memories that they will forever cherish. “My favorite memory was our game, we were all passionate about it,” Perez said, “When Christopher scored a penalty in the last minute, it was really exciting.
The main reason why they formed this soccer team wasn’t for glory or wins, It was to be able to relive the innocence of their elementary school times. “Creating the team was just for fun,” Bautista said, “We wanted to enjoy our last year, make memories.”
