There is a word, commitment, that is a characteristic of every successful high school sports team. It is also true that teams change every year and have a chance to do something special each season. A fan of the 2003 Garfield football team might want to take these ideas into consideration when describing the new-looking, excited and focused Bulldogs. Or maybe just the way things change.

Rainier Beach transfer Anthony “Chicken” Stewart is teaming up with seniors Andre Jimerson and DeAndre Rivers, and junior Endure Dinish, to lead the Dogs into a season that promises to have its ups and downs. Each of these players has expressed their excitement about this year and how committed the players are to making it a great one.

“Things have changed around here,” said Jimerson. “We have a new team, a new system and we’re going to prove something. Other teams better think twice because this is a new GHS team.”

With a different team makeup than in previous years and players with different skills than in the past, the coaching staff has put in a whole new offense to better fit the players they have. The offense, called the Wing-T, is almost entirely running and fits the explosive running back Stewart perfectly. The defense is also as strong as ever, anchored by a secondary that includes Stewart, Jimerson and Rivers together.

No football team would be complete without its kicker, a void filled to the max by Junior Karel Cipra. After attending a kicking camp during the off season, Cipra has come out with a renewed spirit, reflective of the rest of his team. This energy has him knocking balls through the upright when kicking off in practice. So far he’s been nothing but good no matter the situation.

Head coach Scott Laigo is one of the motivators of the teams high spirit and he expects this team to be one of the best and hardest working that he has coached.

“There is no question that this league is loaded,” Laigo said. “But we just have to stay motivated and mentally set to be successful. Our most important attribute is our commitment.”

The coach’s words were echoed throughout the entire team.

“We don’t expect to make the same mistakes we made last year.” said Rivers. “We are prepared to be fully committed to winning football games.”

This progress has Garfield fans buzzing that this could be a breakout year. The team is ready to head out onto the brand new state-of-the-art field turf at Memorial Stadium and put up some crooked numbers. This season is about a new path for the purple and white.

The Garfield football team is on the rise by surprise and the “Dogs” are ready to explode. Be a part of it.

Commit.