As the sun began to set over Tropical Park, friends, and families united to witness the closing of football season. On Nov. 1, Coral Gables Senior High’s varsity football team went against the Southwest Miami High School’s Eagles. The Cavaliers prepared to face one of their historic rivals, leaving fans on both sides on the edges of their seats.
Prior to the actual game starting, both the football and cheer teams were recognized as they walked across the field for the last time during their high school careers. Parents were invited to accompany their children as they soaked up the bright glow of the floodlights. The cheerleaders were awarded with small gift baskets filled with their favorite treats and a bouquet.
“When I finished taking my picture, I was bombarded with a gift basket filled to the brim. Following that was a pair of arms wrapped around me. It was truly a moment to remember, and I will definitely carry it with me,” senior Chiara Ortiz De Rosas said.
The game started at 7:30 p.m. with the Eagles winning the coin toss. The players came in with an electrifying entrance, storming through a poster and holding a Gables flag, causing the stands to explode with school spirit. Just a few plays in, the Cavaliers quickly managed to get the ball with an interception. With Gables on offense, the Cavaliers scored the first touchdown of the game. The cheerleaders ignited the crowd, causing the stands to shake with the noise. The kick was good, ending the first quarter 7-0 with Gables in the lead.
“Knowing it was our last game made the atmosphere of the game change. It felt like it was all or nothing, and it was a lot more fun,” senior Zion Chery said.
Starting the second quarter strong, the Cavaliers received the ball. The Cavaliers fought the Eagles to gain as many yards as they could, with cheerleaders chanting “We want a touchdown!” as they came closer to the end zone. The boys muddled through the opposing team’s defensive line and scored the second touchdown of the night. With the ball flying through the goalpost for the kick, the Cavaliers surpassed the Eagles with a score of 14-0.
As the Eagles received the ball, the Cavalier defense came at them fiercely. The opposing team fought hard to score their first touchdown of the evening. However, with the Cavaliers pushing them back, a turnover resulted in Gables obtaining possession of the ball. With just a few parts to go, Gables decided to run the ball and made it to the end zone, making the score 21-0.
“I was sad that it was our last game of the season, but regardless I still went out and got to play one last time with my teammates so it was worth it, ” senior Alec Medina said.
Once more, the Eagles got hold of the ball. Gables managed to fight the offensive line, as they barely got to advance on the field. Fourth down crept in as the Cavaliers got the ball back due to turnover downs. With consecutive succeeding plays, the Cavaliers managed to score one more touchdown, putting Gables at an impressive lead of 28-0 just before halftime started.
During half-time, the fans enjoyed the concessions while the football players and cheerleaders prepared for the second half of the game. The field was erupting with music and fans getting hyped for what was yet to come.
After a quick warm-up, the third quarter began and the crowd was more pumped up than ever. The quarter started with the Cavaliers receiving the ball. The Eagles managed to push the Cavaliers back until they gained possession of the ball. The third quarter would see Gables continue their success as they managed to run the ball into the end zone, leaving the score at 35-0.
Once the fourth quarter began, the spirit was at an all-time high in Gables’ student section. Taking the lead with a score of 35-0, the Cavaliers were preparing to take home the victory. Just as the suspense was building up with only six minutes left on the clock, the lights on the field shut off, causing a blackout. In response, the fans from both schools attempted to light the field using the flashlights on their phones. The Gables cheerleaders took advantage of the rising tension and encouraged the crowd into a rumbling cheer until the lights inevitably came back on.
The Cavaliers ended their season on a high note by taking home a solid victory. It was a memorable night for our seniors as they goodbye to a part of their high school careers as they walked off the field for the last time. While sentimental, they left behind a legacy of what it was like to be a Cavalier.
