This season, Barbara Goleman High School’s football team is going through a transition after losing a group of seniors and relying on the bulk of freshmen and sophomore players to carry the team through a challenging season.
Using the single wing offense, head coach Ariel Cabrera’s team features freshman quarterback Darryn Jones, freshman running back John Correa and his backfield partner Kalonji Hill.
“Darryn Jones is very mature for his age which is the reason why he’s our starting quarterback,” Cabrera said before the team’s season opening loss last week against Western High of Davie, 29-0.
“John Correa ended the season for us as running back and he should continue the success.”
With the single wing offense, Cabrera will rely on the offensive line and a lot of tight ends.
When they throw the ball, sophomore wide receiver Kayshawn Lanoru is Jones’ main target.
On defense, the Gators have outside linebacker senior Ramon Ruiz, who Cabrera said is one of the team’s better defensive players, and Ivan Martinez, who played middle linebacker last year but moved to defensive end because he got bigger during the summer.
The team’s defensive backs include sophomore free safety Marcner Richard.
Cabrera said this season is challenging because his young but talented team will be matched up against district foes Miami Springs, Mater Academy and Ronald Reagan.