Santa Teresa High School Saints Gear Up for an Exciting 2023 Football Season
As the summer sun sets and the anticipation builds, football fever is sweeping across Santa Teresa High School. The echoes of last year’s triumphs and the promise of a bright future have ignited the spirit of the Saints as they prepare to charge onto the gridiron for the 2023 high school football season.
Rewind to 2022, and the Saints etched their name into history by clinching the CIF State Division 6-AA NorCal Championship. This remarkable feat marked a watershed moment for the school, as they became the first true South Bay public school to capture such an honor. The Saints defied expectations, showcasing their tenacity, grit, and sheer skill on the field. Though the State Championship trophy eluded them, they held their heads high after a hard-fought battle, narrowly falling 7-0 to the Classical Academy from Escondido, CA.
The cornerstone of this success was the trio of talent that paved the way for the Saints’ ascent. Team Captains Marc Carlson, Joshua “The Bear” Reyes, and Noah Gardere seamlessly transitioned to junior college football at San Jose City College. Their journey from high school heroes to college gridiron warriors is a testament to their dedication and prowess.
QB Jayden Arevalo, the field general who orchestrated the symphony of victory, played a pivotal role in steering the team to multiple wins. His leadership and strategic prowess were instrumental in crafting the success story of the Saints.
Leading the charge from the sidelines was Head Coach Steve Papin, who took the reins in 2022. A former star player in the Arena Football League, Papin’s own journey from high school football at Piedmont Hills to collegiate success at Portland State, and ultimately his time with the San Jose Sabercats, served as a beacon of inspiration for his players. Papin’s leadership and expertise guided the team to heights previously uncharted, setting a new standard for excellence at Santa Teresa.
The individual accolades that adorned the Saints’ players were well-deserved and underscored their exceptional contributions. Marc Carlson’s stellar defensive prowess earned him the coveted title of Most Outstanding Defensive Player of the Year for the Blossom Valley Athletic League Mt. Hamilton League. Joshua Reyes, a force to be reckoned with, clinched the title of Most Outstanding Offensive Back. The first-team all-league recognition bestowed upon Joseph Tapia, Noah Gardere, Jefferey Kerr, and Salvador Morales cemented their status as elite athletes within their league.
Looking ahead to the 2023 season, the Saints are brimming with optimism and determination. The departure of key players has created an opportunity for new stars to rise, and star athlete Joseph Tapia, alongside his fellow senior Tevita Pekipaki, are poised to lead the team to further glories. Junior QB Brenton Gaches exudes confidence in the team’s potential, acknowledging their youth while emphasizing their relentless work ethic.
Coach Papin’s commitment to nurturing talent is evident in the infusion of youth into the varsity team. Fresh faces, including two freshmen and six sophomores, are set to take the field, eager to prove their mettle at the highest level of competition. The strong presence of underclassmen speaks volumes about the future prospects of Santa Teresa football.
The spirit of camaraderie and determination reverberates through the entire program, as over 100 student-athletes gear up to represent Santa Teresa on the football field. Varsity and JV teams united, the sense of unity and shared purpose is palpable, fostering an environment ripe for success.
As the sun sets on August 25th, the Saints’ first test of the season awaits, as they face off against Pioneer High School. The anticipation is electric, the stakes high, and the ambitions soaring. With Coach Papin and his dedicated staff at the helm, and the unwavering support of the Santa Teresa community, the Saints are poised to pen yet another thrilling chapter in their storied football legacy. The 2023 season and beyond promises excitement, growth, and the pursuit of excellence, as the Saints rise to meet the challenges ahead.