The average professional football team has about 60 people on the roster. Most high schools have around 30 to 40 players. Only 25 athletes comprise Gunn’s varsity football team (1-3, 3-4).

To compensate for its dwindling size, the team has adopted a die-hard work ethic; many players get no rest throughout an entire 48-minute game. “[They] give the type of effort we need to be successful,” head coach Matt McGinn said. “They’re going to have to contribute in all three parts of the game, because we are a small team. They have to show tough effort and be mentally prepared.” The three parts many players participate in are offense, defense and special team.

Many players believe this team has better leadership and camaraderie than it did last year. “We’re unified,” senior tight end and defensive end Kyle Einfalt said. “There isn’t a gap between the seniors and juniors, and we actually hang out during brunch and lunch. It carries onto the field because we aren’t playing as individuals; we’re playing really well as a team.”

Senior middle linebacker Matt Walkup agrees. “We are really small in numbers but that enables us to bond and become close as a team.”

Not only are the players close with each other, but they are close with the coaches as well. “Our coaches are dedicated,” senior wide receiver and defensive back Spencer Sturken said. “We have meetings at lunch and after school and we go over game film. I think we are closer as a team than ever before, not only with our teammates but also with our coaches.”

This connection may be a result of the annual “double days.” While many students were relaxing during the last days of summer, the football team was hard at work, spending its time enduring up to three practices a day and spending nights sleeping in the wrestling room. “It helps with team cohesiveness and makes the school more of a home to them as players,” defensive coach Mark Weisman said. Along with practices, players and coaches watched film, played rugby and performed frivolous skits.

Since school started, the team has met once or twice a week in Weisman’s classroom during lunch and after school. “We have these meetings to become more intelligent in the game and talk about what we need to infuse in practice,” Weisman said.

During G period, the players also attend a mandatory advanced fitness class with McGinn. “It’s an easier way of training year round and establishing the level of fitness we need,” McGinn said. “It’s also a great way to have a team connection throughout the year.”

The aforementioned wins did not just happen because the players are friends–this team has talent. All three team captains contribute a lot to the game. Along with Einfalt, the only returning all-league player, Walkup and senior running back and linebacker Josh Lee show leadership and intensity, creating a competitive atmosphere not just during games, but every day in practice. A new addition to Gunn, running back and defensive back senior Nate Burpee shows promise.

“Every player that has played for us this year has shown tremendous growth and that growth is a positive sign for future success as well,” Weisman said.

The team has a few things they would like to perfect. “We need to improve on playcalling and knowing what to do in certain situations,” Sturken said. However, McGinn said he is hopeful that the team will boost its game. “[They have] established that they’re a physical team in offense and defense; mental errors we can fix,” McGinn said.

Gunn faces tough competition in the Santa Clara Valley Athletic League (SCVAL) El Camino division. “Compared to other teams I believe that we are one of the best if not the best,” Einfalt said. “We have the talent to beat any team in the league, it’s just a matter of whether we execute or not.”

Along with a league championship, the team hopes to put up a fight against Palo Alto in their final game on Nov. 9 at 7 p.m. at Gunn. “I fully believe that if we are at full strength, we should have a better game than last year, but the approach is the same as every game,” Weisman said. “It’s our last game, so I hope we get the best game we’ve had all year.”