Gateway Charter can only go one way - up - after enduring a winless season in 2009.
The good news for the Griffins is senior quarterback Justin Veras returns to try and earn the team's first win in more than a year. Veras was a bright spot during a dark season as he takes over full time this season.
Gateway finished 0-10 last year and replaced coach Joe Swain with Victor Coates.
"Last year was rough. I hope I can turn things around here this season and get us back on the winning side of things," said Coates.
Playing in District 2B-6 requires a lot of traveling for the Griffins in order to have a decent shot at breaking their 12-game losing streak. The streak stretches back into the final two games of the 2008 season when the Griffins were 5-5.
With a new coach, a solid quarterback and a new attitude, there is hope for the Griffins heading into the fall.
The Griffins make their season debut on Sept. 3 at home when they host the Lemon Bay Manta Rays. Their district slate also begins at home on Sept. 24 against Dunbar.
A very important road game against an equally under achieving Coral Springs Charter School looms on Oct. 15.
Gateway Charter High School Griffins
2010 Schedule
Sept. 3 - vs. Lemon Bay
Sept. 10 - at Frostproof
Sept. 17 - at Golden Gate
Sept. 24 - vs. Dunbar-x
Oct. 8 - vs. Clewiston-x
Oct. 15 - at Coral Springs Charter
Oct. 22 - vs. LaBelle-x
Oct. 29 - at Island Coast-x
Nov. 5 - at Lake Placid-x
Nov. 12 - vs. Evangelical Christian
(x-district)
Head coach: Victor Coates, ('10) first year
Team Colors: Royal blue & silver
Mascot: Griffins
Stadium: 12770 Gateway Blvd., Fort Myers
Class/District: 2B-6
Playoff History: none.
2009 Results
Record: 0-10
Home: 0-4 Away: 0-6 District: 0-5
Lemon Bay 39, Gateway 19
Frostproof 40, Gateway 6
Golden Gate 52, Gateway 0
Dunbar 48, Gateway 0
Evangelical Christian 66, Gateway 0
Clewiston 51, Gateway 6
LaBelle 42, Gateway 6
Island Coast 66, Gateway 6
Lake Placid 55, Gateway 0
Immokalee 52, Gateway 7
