As the crowd started to swarm in, the Cavaliers started warming up and getting ready to start their first game of the spring season. With all the seniors gone, this was the first game with their new team, and it turned out to be a great success.

The Cavaliers started the game off really well until South Dade scored their first point. Our defense did a great job at protecting our field. We then quickly made a recovery and scored on the buccaneers. Tying up the game, our defense got tighter as the team didn’t allow another point to be scored by South Dade. The turning point in the game that gave the Cavaliers the advantage was during the third quarter when South Dade had messed up their hike. The Cavaliers quickly took action. They got the fumble and were able to run 30 yards until they were tackled. As the we were able to recover the ball, our offense automatically kicked into gear. Gables was able to score another point on the team leaving the final score at 14-9.

“The game showed the strength that our team has, and it’s a clear indication that we will have a great season next year,”junior Marcos Balsera said.

Since this was the team’s first game without any of the seniors, no one was sure what the outcome would be and who would surprise them the most. Shawn Waiters, #17, had shown he could be athletic and a great asset to the team. The team was expecting him to be more of a field general or a quarterback, but had proved them wrong. Andres Zaldivar, #19, had shown that he could not only keep a high GPA, but could also catch the ball very well and had great work ethic. Another person that had helped a lot during the game was Jared Medehi, #51, who plays defensive tackle; he had made the coaches happy with the plays he did.

“Not having the seniors, we are not the 11-2 team that lost to south dade last year. What I see now is a team that is complacent, that thinks that some of the things that those kids did are old to them. They have to earn victory, and you can’t lose respect for winning.  A lot of these younger kids think it’s a lot easier than what it truly is,”coach Roger Pollard said.

With this year practically over, the football team will be receiving new players for the fall season coming up. Many are excited to see what the new incoming freshman and others are going to show during the tryouts. Many students that will be coming to Gables have been emailing the coaches interested in trying out for the fall season.

“I’m excited to see how many kids and what type of athletes will be representing the Cavalier nation next football season,”coach Pollard said.

Many cannot wait to see if the team can, yet again get their titles, not only as district champs, but as state champions. With next year’s incoming freshman and others who will be joining the team, it will be a great season that many people are anticipating.