The Sacred Heart Cardinals football team is prepared for their 2018 season. The team is hoping to make a comeback from their 0-9 record last 2017 season. The team consists of eighth and seventh graders, and has a majority of players returning from last year. The team’s coaches this season are Coach Martin Basaldua and Assistant Coaches Anthony Romero and Rick Vasquez.  Coach Vasquez and Coach Romero have sons on the team. Practices started on Monday, August 20, 2018. The team practices mostly on Mondays but that can change depending on the coaches’ schedules.

When asked about his expectations for this 2018 season, veteran player 8th grader Benjamin said, “The team will try their hardest and will hopefully come out victorious.” Benjamin has played on the offensive and defensive line, and while practicing, is also playing linebacker. When eighth grader and player, Andrew, was asked the same question he responded with, “Much better than last year, I think all the players are a lot more… experienced.” This is Andrew’s, as well as Benjamin’s, last year on the team. Andrew has played the positions of offensive guard and defensive lineman.

When Coach Vasquez was asked about the Cardinals’ chances of winning, he said they can win because they are experienced. He also talked about the team’s newest player, Manny, who previously played for another local school’s team. Coach Vasquez calls Manny skilled and thinks he is a great addition to the team.

A parent, Topi, was asked for his opinions on the new season. “They [The Cardinals] should do well this season… due to the experienced players and quality coaching.” Topi is the father of a three season member of the team.

The Sacred Heart School Cardinals’ first game of the 2018 season was Wednesday, September 19 against the St. Mary Magdalene Eagles and the Cardinals were excited and revved-up for this game.  It was an exciting game as The Cardinals brought back a win to get started on the comeback from the 2017 season.