Friday night lights shined down upon on the Eastwood field making a spotlight not only for the Troopers, but for the visiting Spartans as well.

El Pasoans are quite unfamiliar with frigid nights, but regardless of the weather, football fans gathered around bundled in blankets and jackets to cheer on the Spartans as they would face the Troopers.

The blistering cold throughout the night seemed to have no effect on junior Caleb Gerber as he was able to set a school record of an astonishing 7 individual touchdowns in a single game. Students, faculty, and members of the El Paso community were all asking the same question: who is the boy behind the mask? The Spartans dominated the night, and it was only fitting for Gerber to secure his final touchdown of the night; helping the Spartans get their 8th consecutive win of the year.

Last season, the Spartans were unsuccessful in obtaining more than 2 wins. However, recently they seemed to have become a strong contender in high school play, which was unexpected when looking back on last year. The Spartans have been able to surpass any doubts and obtain an 8-game winning streak.

Running back Caleb Gerber has been a key factor in the wins thus far. Being the only running back set for the team, Gerber says his confidence has built up from his previous year in varsity as well as his experience in the sport.

“We were young last year,” Gerber says, “We didn’t have any seniors and it affected us.”

This season has allowed Gerber to look back on the first days throwing around a football.

He mentions his past weekend trips to a local park with his dad and older brother, throwing the football and sharing a few laughs.

“There’s one specific memory I have with my dad,” Gerber mentions. “He was throwing around the ball and there was one pass he threw that I caught while making a 360.”

Gerber says it was in that moment that his dad encouraged him to pursue football. He never knew it would lead to such a love for the sport. Gerber also mentions the support he’s been able to gain from his parents and how they’ve impacted his play as well as the character he’s been able to accomplish.

Gerber’s father is constantly in the stands, cheering on his son as he sets school records and puts numbers on the scoreboard. Even if he’s unable to attend the games, Mr. Gerber makes it a point to be up to date on what’s going on.

“He’s been a definite motivator,” Gerber speaks on his dad. “He motivates me to do better and make him proud.”

Gerber’s mother is unable to attend every game due to the distance from El Paso to Carlsbad, but she’s always shown her support towards her son.

“She can’t make every game because of her tight schedule,” Gerber spoke of the situation. “But the ones she is able to go to, she loves it.”

Gerber explains the relationship he has with his step-mom and how much he values her and the support she gives him.  Although his mom lives outside of El Paso, Gerber has been able to have a mother figure at home.

“I’m her son and she’s my mom,” Gerber says. “That’s just the way it is.”

According to Gerber, his love for the game and his teammates are the main contributors to his success this season. He mentions that the seven touchdowns he scored that chilly night could not have happened without the players he’s always called family.

The struggles they faced last year along with their success this year shows how far they have come as a whole. They have been able to gain experience as well as humility throughout their journey.

“I absolutely love all of my teammates,” Gerber states. “We grew a bond that I will always remember.”

Gerber hopes to attend a college here in Texas, majoring in law enforcement. Gerber also hopes to receive either an athletic or academic scholarship.