As South Gate High School football prepares for the upcoming season, there is a sense of determination and a desire for improvement that Coach Cisco Saldana and his team bring to the table. Despite a challenging season last year, Coach Saldana believes that there is potential for growth and success for the South Gate team.
One of the highlights of the team this year is the top returning players, who Coach Saldana believes will make a significant difference on the field. These players include quarterback Michael Gonzalez, wide receivers Nicholas Fonseca and Francisco Meza, and running back Eric Myers. Coach Saldana recognizes their potential not only in their athletic abilities but also in their leadership skills and academic achievements.
But the team is not only relying on their returning players, as there are also some new faces that are expected to make an immediate impact. These players include Alex Ayala, Samuel Rodriguez, Alex Avina, Osiel Ceballos, and Edward Castro. Coach Saldana describes them as leaders, hard workers, competitors, and highly motivated individuals.
This influx of talent and determination is sure to bring about positive changes for the team. One of the most important qualities that Coach Saldana looks for in potential team captains is their academic achievements and leadership abilities both on and off the field. These qualities can be seen in players like Alex Ayala, Samuel Rodriguez, Nicholas Fonseca, Francisco Meza, and Alex Avina, who have achieved a minimum 3.0 GPA and have shown exemplary leadership in attendance, attitude, and accountability.
To build team chemistry and camaraderie, Coach Saldana stresses the importance of respect, accountability, and availability. By implementing these values, the team has seen higher attendance and improved transparency, as athletes know exactly what is expected of them. This not only helps to foster a better team dynamic but also motivates the players to push themselves to their full potential.
However, preparing for this season has not been without its challenges. Coach Saldana admits that the biggest challenge is getting the players to believe in what they are capable of achieving. But through film analysis and showing the players their progress, both believers and non-believers are motivated to push themselves toward success.
The team's schedule for this season is filled with tough opponents, such as Lynwood High School and Mary Star, as well as formidable teams in their league like Garfield.
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