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Eastside Memorial is winning daily, despite 0-6 record

They may not have scored a single point this season, but something more important is happening off the field at Eastside Memorial High School.

AUSTIN — A process is taking place inside of the locker room at Eastside Memorial Early College High School.

"They keep telling us, coach, we trust you," said first-year Panthers Head Coach Luis Becerra.

Becerra, who is a graduate of Stony Point High School, has been a football coach at a handful of area high school football programs. He knew Eastside Memorial would be a tall task.

Still, Becerra and his staff are transforming attitudes and delivering faith into a plan.

"After every game, we tell them, we love you more today than we did yesterday. If you stick with us, you're going to see it turn around," said Becerra.

Panthers lineman Gregorio Alvarez said the team has bought into Becerra's plan.

"I want to get a win and I want to keep fighting for it," he said.

Fighting through loss after loss on the field, the Panthers are 0-6 on the season by an average margin of 50 points, and they haven't marked a single point on the scoreboard yet.

"They are my brothers for life," said Alvarez.

Brothers and one sister, Adriana Mendoza, who plays on the defensive line for the Panthers.

"I see team support, us working as a team. Guys saying, 'Come on, we can do this,'" said Mendoza.

A determined group who deals with real-life issues.

"We have kids 14 and 15 years old who are dealing with a lot, most their age don't have to deal with," said Becerra.

Issues like simple motivation to attend school and meals to eat.

"But they're coming to us with their concerns and issues," said Becerra.

Despite it all, this program is experiencing success and wins not noticed in the win/loss column.

"You learn to be a part of a team. It's not all about yourself," said Alvarez.

Alvarez and his teammates have developed a relationship with their coaching staff. Becerra said it's a win whenever they approach him every day and greet him.

"Hey coach, how are you?" They fist bump. "Hey, coach, I'm ready to go."

Despite the losses on the field, the participation numbers have increased.

"I think we're bringing a lot of consistency to the program. I think that's what's bringing the kids back," said Becerra.

Jeison Otano, a Panthers running back, was asked how he thinks this experience will benefit them later in life.

"Life isn't going to go your way," he said. "We want to win every single game and go to the playoffs, it may not happen. That's just life."

Life lessons through football and as a team. But, according to Panthers receiver and defensive back Nathaniel Escalante, "We're really down, but once we get going, it's going to be a good feeling."

Until that first touchdown or that first team victory, this team is winning daily.

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