In a high-stakes game on the road, football, 7-2, will be going against their rivals, Palisades, 7-2, tonight at 7:30 p.m.

Coach Angelo Gasca said that the game against the Dolphins is very important and will impact their position for the postseason.

“We could be ranked as high as number two in the city following this week,” he said. “And our focus is winning the game and dealing with that when the time comes.”

Gasca said he is interpreting the game against Palisades as their “first playoff game” due
to its implications towards their actual postseason playoffs.

Senior Romeo Signore, a captain, said that the game can also affect their home field advantage if they lose against Palisades.

“This game is detrimental to our seeding in the playoffs,” he said. “I really would much rather play at home, I think anyone would.”

It will take teamwork for the Gondoliers to beat an opponent like Palisades, Signore said.

“I think we all want to win,” he said. “I think we’re all expecting a win, because last year we got impacted by COVID. And this year, that’s not really the case anymore. We’re just trying to put our best foot forward and play as a team.”

Signore said that both the Dolphins and the Gondoliers are going into their last league game before playoffs with the same experience.

“I think playing against them is definitely good for our season, but I also think playing with
the stronger opponents in the beginning was also important.”

Gasca said he believes that after winning six games in a row, every week they have gotten better after each game than before. They’re ready to play their best football.

“You want to be playing your best football at the end of the season,” he said. And I think we’re ready to do that.”

Gasca said that the team is dynamic and has qualities of a championship team.

“Having a strong defense, and a good kicking game are number one for championship teams,” he said.

“Then the offense is looking for consistency and balance. And I think we have both of those things,” said Gasca.

Overall, the team’s biggest goal throughout the league season has been just improving, according to Gasca.

“The most important goal in the league is to try to win the league and to be the best team in the league and to be playing our best as we enter the playoffs,” he said. “This week’s game will be how we’ll determine whether or not we reached that goal.

“There is nothing to hold back for. This is the most important game of the season.”

Last Friday, the Gondoliers beat University 48-3 at home for Senior Night.