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It was the second quarter of the Raiders’ face off against Bishop Moore. Middle linebacker Dylan Calero was in his coverage zone, wide open. Moore’s quarterback stepped back and threw the ball towards his teammate. The ball flew in the air in Calero’s zone. Calero grasped the ball for an interception, holding it tightly as he ran 34 yards for a touchdown. His play helped the team bring home the win, 38-7.

“It was my most memorable moment, I mean, I often have the chance to score, but not always after an interception,” Calero said.

As a middle linebacker, Calero did not have many opportunities to score, but when he got the chance, he did anything to help his team. They described him as an ideal teammate, who’s always there to provide guidance, especially since he knows all the plays and gets the extra tackles to ensure a victory. Calero said he felt close to his teammates, having played with them since freshman year.

“From the moment I joined the team my teammates were very welcoming. I love them all to this day,” Calero said.

Calero started playing football at the age of four, playing little league for the Miami Gardens Ravens. With the encouragement from his father and brother, he continued to play and worked hard to improve.

“My father and brother pushed me to constantly perform at my best, even at my lowest,” he said.

Calero comes from a very athletic family. His four siblings are all athletes, including his twin sister Daniella, who plays lacrosse and basketball. But for Calero, his biggest inspiration is his older brother Christopher, who also played middle linebacker.

“My brother is a great inspiration for me, and I want to continue the legacy he left behind,” he said.

Whether on or off the field, Calero carries himself with confidence. He also puts in the hard work required

eto excel at the sport he loves. His motto, “show up, work out, and play,” has served him well, helping him achieve an impressive record. This past season, Calero had 90 tackles, 13 tackles for loss, three forced fumbles, three fumble recoveries and three touchdowns.

Football has taught Calero lessons in perserverance and dedication. The sport, which has become a part of his daily routine, has also provided an outlet for him and a way to express himself. It has taught him to not make excuses, and the hard work he puts in to prepare has made him the confident person he is today. Being competitive by nature, Calero hates losing, and gives his all at every game.

“My coach, Earl Sims, has taught me to play with all I have, so I play every game like it’s my last.”

CHEERFUL. Junior Olivia Johnson proudly hugs her teammate, sophomore Alessandra Di Mise after crossing the finish line. Happiness filled their faces as they realized that they could come in first place. “I felt pure excitement as I congratulated my teammates for their performance. I instantly knew that we had a big chance of coming in first out of all the other teams,” Di Mise said.