Football: They’re going all out in the weight room at South Gate High

Daniel Martinez, a 6-foot, 165-pound offensive tackle, was sweating profusely Monday afternoon jumping up and down while landing on a stool in the stuffy South Gate High weight room.

It was controlled chaos, with Coach Jose Casagran blowing his whistle every 30 seconds while some 30 players went through their individual workout routines.

It was a scene being repeated throughout the Southland as football practice picks up steam in preparation for scrimmages next weekend and opening games Aug. 25-26.

To see the hard work and dedication and hear the challenging words of wisdom from Casagran served as a reminder that the sacrifices required to play football are more than worth the time and effort.

You can see camraderie building before your eyes and see the lessons about not quitting and doing your best being preached. You can see players getting into top shape and building strength for a long season ahead.

If parents could see how hard their sons were working, they’d smile, give them a hug and not worry about wins or losses.

Written on steel beams in the weight room are the words “pride, courage, honor and effort.”

You can tell by the sweat on their faces that South Gate players are taking their task very seriously.

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