Fumble recovery gives Gables High key win over S. Miami
The Coral Gables Senior High School Cavalier football team won its first district game of the season, 6-0, against South Miami High on Friday, Oct. 5.
The first play of the game resulted in the lone score of the contest when Cavalier linebacker and team captain Roberto Zaldivar scooped up a Colts fumble and ran it in 22 yards for the score.
The victory improves the Cavs’ record to 2-3 overall and 1-0 in district play. The Cobras drop to 2-3, 1-1.
The home-field game at Gables High brought together the faculty and student body, already buoyed by the junior varsity’s 40-0 romp over the Miami High JV squad two days earlier.
The Gablettes dancers and cheerleaders entertained the crowd Friday, and the Gables High Band of Distinction, which played the national anthem to open the matchup, wore vibrant, matching red shirts. The apparel was donated by “Patrons of the Band,” Gables High alumni who paid for and delivered the new shirts with the school logo to the band. The group is now collecting to help repair old instruments.
Looking good and sounding good, the band also performed at halftime.
Riveted on the game, the energetic crowd was considered one of the best Gables High had ever seen.
“The crowd, student body and Principal (Adolfo) Acosta are really showing a lot of support,” Gables Coach Roger Pollard said afterward. “It was surreal to see so much red in our stands. … People are really excited about our football season.”
Coach Pollard noted that many of the senior players shined throughout Friday’s game.
He cited Roberto Zaldivar (#7), who follows in the footsteps of his older brother, Fernando. Fernando played on the defensive end in 2006, when the Cavaliers won the district championship. Coach Pollard also named Christopher Ponce (#51), quarterback Robert Porrence and Ryan Francis (#5).
During the month of October, football teams are allowed the wear pink during games in support of Breast Cancer Awareness. Coach Pollard is currently working to get pink socks for his team in time for Oct. 25 game at Miami High. Meanwhile, players have been wearing wrist bands to show their support.
