By Alexis Galarza Posted March 19, 2021
Varsity football has returned, and players are more grateful and excited than ever before. Their season had been pending for a long time, but now they’re up and running.
The varsity football players recently played at Dayton this Saturday. The Buckaroos pulled through with a win 63-27, giving them a 2-0 record on the young season.
Games this year look a little different due to not being able to stay overnight. Most games are on the weekends or through Saturday.
“Playing at 3 p.m. on a Saturday will be different,” said Fabian Ochoa. “You don’t have to sit in class thinking about the game all day long or skipping class to travel. It will also be different without a big student section and without my siblings watching from the stands.” This year Fabian is a senior playing as a wide receiver and a defensive back.
All the players are grateful just to be having a season, even if it’s a short one. After being left in the dark for a while about their season, they have finally got to the light at the end of the tunnel.
“I see us doing very well this season,” said Sam Roth. “Not being able to play sports for a long time has made us all very excited to compete.” Roth is a senior here at Lowry High School playing as a wide receiver and a defensive back.
Varsity football this year is a mix of seniors, juniors, and a handful of sophomores.
“We have speed and strength on both sides of the ball. Also having a good mix of older and younger players allows us to work well as a team,” said Roth.
The Bucks defense stops Elko short. /Ron Espinola • The Brand 
The Lowry defense stops Elko. /Ron Espinola • The Brand 
Giovanni Sapien breaks the first of several tackles on his way to a touchdown. /Ron Espinola • The Brand 
Anthony Gildone catches a pass from Caden Ricci. /Ron Espinola • The Brand 
/Ron Espinola • The Brand 
Anthony Peterson tries to get away from an Elko tackler. /Ron Espinola • The Brand 
Caden Ricci receives the snap. /Ron Espinola • The Brand 
Seth Whitted fights his way through a block. /Ron Espinola • The Brand
Football players seem to be playing their hearts out every game; the season is happening but there is always the chance the game will be canceled last minute. New protocols are also being put in place to ensure players’ safety.
“I think because of the few games we have we’ll play every game like it’s our last. Also taking safety precautions like getting tested weekly is a big change,” said Roth.
Coach Taua Cababat’s main goal of the season is to improve his players and continue to keep winning games the way they are now. Cabatbat and his players have gone through some changes with COVID.
“Practices have looked different because we don’t have that much time to prepare, and we have to move at a faster pace than what we would be in a normal season,” said Cababat.
Anthony Gildone, a senior, looks forward to helping out the younger players in hopes they will adapt better at playing at a higher level.
“My expectations for this season are to go undefeated and help the younger guys grow so they can compete next year,” said Anthony Gildone.
Both Cababat and Gildone think their team is ready to compete next weekend against Fernley here at home.
“Our team strengths this year are our offensive game. We have some solid offensive players and I don’t think any team could shut down the pass and run game. We have too many weapons to stop for any defense,” said Anthony Gildone.
The varsity football players will be playing next here at Lowry against the Fernley Vaqueros on March 20.
