The deaf football team at the California School for the Deaf in Riverside, once considered underdogs, has beaten the odds with an undefeated season that has thrilled and inspired fans across California and beyond.
This season, the Cubs Varsity football team went 11-0 and won the division title game, a first in the school’s 68-year existence.
The fact that they had never had a great season just “fired us up” and encouraged them to strive harder each game, according to wide receiver Jory Valencia.
The athletes and coaches communicate using American Sign Language and speak with ABC News through an ASL interpreter.
Enos Zornoza, a running back, stated the team’s success this season is due to their dedication and hard effort in practice.
He said that they had their sights set on the title from the start, but that they were taking things “one game at a time, one practice at a time.”
Castaneda went on to say that he and his teammates have “great chemistry,” which provides them with the drive to succeed on the field.
Adams claims that his teammates’ talent has made teaching “simple” for him.
He described them as “wonderful youngsters.”
“I anticipated we’d have a solid squad, but they’ve blown me away — they’ve well exceeded my expectations.”
“Anything is possible for us. Deaf individuals are capable of doing anything “he stated “We’re not the stereotypical people who are out there.”
The squad is now preparing to travel to the state. “We’re not done yet; there’s one more game to play, and we’re still hunting for that ring. There’s one more game, “Adams stated his opinion.