HARWICH — There are many things Cape Tech football coach Calvin Castillias tells his players. One of them may not be so obvious, but it is important.
“Don’t forget to have fun,” says Castillias.
After a 4-6 season, it may be hard to see the fun in it, but if you look closer, you can see signs of optimism.
Three accomplishments from 2023 stand out: Cape Tech defeated rival Monomoy, the Crusaders won their Thanksgiving Day game against Upper Cape, and the team participated in the State Vocational Playoffs, where it lost to Franklin County Tech 16-12.
These are real and tangible signs of progress since Castillias’ first year as head coach, and he believes it could have been even better.
“Last year, it was a confidence booster, especially after a couple of tough years,” Castillias said. “Plus, we were able to play in the professional playoffs last year, which was not expected of us at all. We almost won the game. We lost with four minutes to go. We were winning the whole game. We were leading 12-0 and they beat us with four minutes to go.”
For the first time in a long time, there is real dynamism in this program. You can see it in Castillias’s enthusiasm and also in the players.
As they prepared for a day of practice, it felt like the best was yet to come for this group.
Another factor is the numbers. In previous years, Cape Tech has only had 15 players. This year, from the first year to the last year, there are 72 players in the program. That would be a solid number for a team from a higher league. For a team from the 8th division, that’s great.
It is one of the many reasons for optimism among coaches and players.
“The kids have the confidence that they can do it after years of being told it can’t be done,” Castillias said. “I think the confidence that these guys brought has really helped.”
Peyton Morris is a senior running back and linebacker. He knows that only five seniors have graduated and the numbers are rising. He knows that Cape Tech is on the up.
“I think overall a lot of things are changing,” Morris said. “Not even coach (Castillias) helps much, I think as players we want it more and more. I think it makes us a lot better.”
At practice, Castillias came out and shouted orders to his players as they stretched and got ready.
“Happy Tuesday!” he called.
“Happy Tuesday, coach!” his players shouted back.
Quarterback Sean Gillette was asked where he thinks the fun comes from with this team.
“We’re all one big family,” Gillette said. “We all get along really well, no matter what’s happening. At school, on the playground, on the sports field, the practice field or the playing field. We all get along really well. At the end of the day, we’re all brothers.”
Head coach: Calvin Castillias
Last season’s record: 4-6
Cape Tech Crusaders 2024 Schedule
Week 1: Friday, September 6 at Tri-County, TBA
Week 2: Friday, September 13 against Monomoy, 6:30 p.m.
Week 3: Friday, September 20 vs Bourne, TBA
Week 4: Thursday, September 26, St. John Paul II, 7 p.m.
Week 5: Friday, Oct. 4 vs. Wareham, 6:30 p.m.
Week 6: Friday, Oct. 11 vs. South Shore, 6:30 p.m.
Week 7: Saturday, October 26 at Atlantis, 1pm
Week 8: Friday, November 1, in Holbrook, 6 p.m.
Thanksgiving: Thursday, Nov. 28 against Upper Cape, 10 a.m.
Important encounters
It’s an interesting schedule from start to finish, but you don’t have to look far for what may be the most important game on the schedule. The game against Monomoy is a real rivalry, as many of the kids from the two Harwich schools already know each other. Last year, Cape Tech earned a 14-12 victory. Another close game is likely, and this could set the tone for the rest of the season.
The best returning players
Sean Gillette, QB/WR/CB, senior
Peyton Morris, RB/LB, Senior
Jason Sprague, LB, Senior
Matthew Riker, RB/DB, Senior
Brandon Canto, TE/DE, Senior
Chaz Thomas, G/LB/RB, sophomore
Adam Kurkjian covers high school sports for the Cape Cod Times. You can contact him at [email protected] and follow him on X at @AdamKurkjian.
Thank you to our subscribers who make this reporting possible. If you are not a subscriber, please consider supporting quality local journalism with a subscription to the Cape Cod Times.Here are our subscription plans.
