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Tatiana Cruzado

As he puts on his helmet, his cleats touching the turf and his hands releasing the football, quarterback Jayden Gonzalez brings his talent from Archbishop McCarthy to our very own Pines Charter High School. 

Playing the quarterback position since middle school, Jayden expresses, “I fell in love with the position ever since.” Starting at a very young age, he aspired to continue playing football, but what he didn’t know was that a big change was about to take part in his process. Charter’s interest pointed towards him and what he had to offer. With the opportunity facing Gonzalez, he understood that a difficult decision had to be made. “I knew it was a tough decision, leaving my friends and my previous team, but it’s something that I felt I had to do in order to get to the next level of football,” he says heavy-heartedly. 

Jayden, fresh to Charter, has been able to connect with others and build close friendships with his teammates. Speaking highly of his team, he voices that they are “a great group of guys that are all really close together.” Welcomed with open arms, getting to know new people and adapting to the school hasn’t been an issue for Gonzalez as he has “been enjoying [my] time so far and hopes it will get even better.”

With the power of being quarterback, comes the responsibility of leading. “I’m expected to lead and be able to command,” says Jayden confidently. Furthermore, he has been recognized as South Florida Football Offensive Player of the Week (August 31-September 2). While accomplished and proud to receive this award, Jayden humbly states, “It’s all the credit to the team… and [I] appreciate them for helping [me] accomplish all that [I have].” 

The football team is starting the season off strong with a winning streak of 4-0. As the Pines Charter players eat, sleep, and breathe football, the practice and hard work is paying off and will determine whether or not that winning streak continues. “We still have our toughest games yet to come and that will really show if we can keep our streak going and dominate the division,” Jayden says candidly. “It’s going to have to be a collaborative effort by all our guys to go out and win each week.”

Moving forward in the season, Jayden Gonalez (along with the rest of the team) plans to make it back to the playoffs and grow as a team. He has brought his dedication and determination to the football team, all while bringing his passion to Charter and to the Jag’s endzone.