Throughout the halls of Del Mar High School, the Dons are awaiting the upcoming game against Lynbrook Friday night (7 pm). While teachers and students are excited – and nervous – for the first home game of the year, the football team is constantly reassuring the campus that this year will be much different than last year's trip to Lynbrook.
In last year’s game against the Vikings, the Dons were beaten 27-0, leaving the team unsure of itself, and embarrassed by such a vast defeat to a team not generally considered to be a powerful opponent.
“The game against Lynbrook is going to be a lot different than last year. It’s going to be much better," Del Mar head coach Jason McGilvrey said. "It’ll be competitive, but it’ll be better. We’ve got some strong returning players, especially our top players; quarterback Francisco Aranda, and linebacker and new running back Chad Gines."
The coaching staff at Del Mar is almost completely new this year, including former players who are familiar with the ins and outs of Dons football.
“We just want to make sure that they can execute the plays, and bring more endurance to the field than before," offensive line coach and former Del Mar player Mike Ramos said. "But compared to last year, I think we’ll come out pretty decent. It’s a new season, new start, new game.”
The team is expecting a much better outcome this season against the Vikings and has high expectations for the season despite a season-opening 64-0 loss to Monte Vista Christian.
“I think we are going to do a lot better than we did in our first game. We have a lot of returners, and we’re stronger and faster than we were before," said Del Mar RB/S Angel Zepeda. "Everyone is playing this week, which makes a difference, so we’re going to beat them."
The players are looking to the new coaching staff to guide them through the early part of the season.
“We’re more of a team, and the coaching staff is bringing us together as more of a family. I’m looking forward to the Lynbrook game; not just winning, but being on the same page and executing our plays," team captain OT/DT Eduardo "Chief" Balderas said. "We just need to improve on calming our QB. He needs to not panic during the games and complete some passes."
Collectively, the team feels they have a brotherhood, and are a family that has a special bond; a bond that will guide them in the right direction during the Viking game, as well as throughout the season; eventually leading them to CCS.
Gines, who plays running back and linebacker, has been cited by numerous coaches and teammates as one of the key players on the team this year, but he has remained humble.
“I think people feel that I am a top player because I like to bring our team closer, just like a family. I try to help make our brotherhood one bond, one vibe, and stay on the same page," Gines said. "I feel like we’ve really improved by becoming faster, and stronger, and more disciplined on the field; which is going to allow us to dominate Lynbrook. I look forward to another league championship with my brothers, and more importantly, a CCS championship title."
