A season of grit: Revere High School football’s 2023 journey

Football Pats shutout by Winthrop in Turkey Day battle

By Dom Nicastro

As the autumn leaves transitioned from their vibrant colors to the faded hues of winter, so did the fortunes of the Revere High School football team throughout their tumultuous 2023 season. It was a campaign that began with the sting of defeat, as the Patriots stumbled out of the gate with an 0-5 record. However, the resilience of the team shone through as they rallied impressively to a 4-6 standing after winning four out of five, setting the stage for a Thanksgiving Day finale steeped in tradition and rivalry. The Thanksgiving Day game, a cherished event that saw the streets of Revere buzzing with anticipatory excitement and the players given one more chance to shine, ended in a 22-0 loss to Winthrop, unfortunately.

“The energy building up to Thanksgiving morning was immaculate,” senior captain Hakim Malki, speaking for his fellow captains, said. “Everyone showed up to play, and the loss definitely can’t be credited to a lack of motivation. We all played with love for one another and left everything we had on the field. We played certain parts of our game exceptionally well, but in a rivalry like the one we saw that morning, big plays make all the difference. Ultimately, that’s what hurt us in the end. Three big plays that let up three big touchdowns. We gave everything we had to pick up the pieces and try and recover, but sometimes, your best just isn’t enough. Good teams and good leaders adequately celebrate their victories, but even more so know how to accept their losses.”

The calm, clear morning at Harry Della Russo Stadium was charged with energy. Yet, despite the pregame atmosphere and the unwavering motivation of the Patriots, who had won three in a row, the day belonged to Winthrop. Revere’s campaign concluded with a display of football’s harsh truths – turnovers can be decisive, and they proved to be the Achilles’ heel for Revere as Winthrop capitalized with scores after turnovers.

Captain Malki, alongside his fellow captains and seniors – Walter Rodriguez, Abbas Atoui and Carlos Rizo – reflected on the season with a maturity beyond their years. There’s no single reason the team can point to for its loss, the captains said. They were energized, motivated and full of love for each other and the game. Yet, in the end, it was the big plays that spelled their downfall. And all they could do was tip their caps, or helmets, shall we say.

This sentiment resonated throughout the season, as the team faced their challenges head-on, learning and growing with each snap of the ball. Coping with injuries throughout the entire season, the Patriots battled, and, when near full strength, showed what type of team they can be. Whether it was a four-touchdown-run effort from Geovani Woodard, or a three-touchdown-pass game from Rizo, Revere ended up being a competitive team when playing with a full deck.

The captains’ parting message to the returning players was clear and potent: Begin in the weight room.

“As for the returning players next year, we would all like to reiterate the same core values,” Malki said. “It all starts in the weight room. From January until Thanksgiving Day, good teams treat every day like it’ll make all the difference. When it comes down to the fine line between two good teams, the little things decide the winner. Show up to weight room, work hard, be a leader and most of all set the tone for the team’s morals. If there’s a crack in the foundation the whole structure goes down. Make sure the younger guys and new players know exactly what’s expected. Set the tone and normalize not tolerating laziness and complaining early on.”

Discipline or a lack of it will make or break your season, Malki said, adding, “Push to your limits and enjoy your wins, but most importantly know how to handle your losses. All of us captains can tell you firsthand after this season that good leaders are the ones who claim accountability after losing. And even more so after losing time and time again. Winning requires everything and guarantees you nothing. Even when you do everything right, work your very hardest, do your very best, sometimes, it’s just not your day. Anything can happen. You can be the better team and still lose. Accepting that and working your hardest anyways is what this sport is all about.”

The future for these young men is bright, with Malki focusing on wrestling, Rodriguez eyeing a spring track while recovering from an injury, Atoui aiming for track success, and Rizo hoping to continue his quarterback career in college. As they move on to new challenges, they carry the lessons learned on the football field – lessons of perseverance, teamwork and the relentless pursuit of excellence.

As Revere turns the page on the 2023 season, the story of this team will be remembered not for the scores, but for the spirit, determination and heart they exhibited. This is the legacy the captains leave behind – a legacy not defined by wins or losses, but by the indomitable will to keep fighting, no matter the odds.

“We’ll all definitely be keeping in touch with one another,” Malki said, “and with the family bonds we’ve made with this team over the last four years.”

See more photo highlights at: www.Facebook.com/advocate.news.ma