When the Trojans return to the field in 20 days for the Central Coast Section playoffs, they will be riding a school record five-game winning streak.
The postseason wasn't even a conversation piece four weeks into the season when Alisal started 0-2 and 1-3.
Yet, it's been said more than once that the turning point in the Trojans season came in Week 2 when they failed to hold a 17-point lead, falling in the waning seconds 24-17 to Soledad.
As heartbreaking of a loss as that was to Alisal, it wasn't devastating. Instead it served as motivation to not have that feeling again.
The Trojans turned a corner after the setback. Winning became contagious for a program that hadn't had a winning season in five years.
"We went through some adversity earlier in the year and overcame it,'' Alisal coach Cesar Chaidez said. "It shows a lot of grit and heart. It tells you the character of this team.''
Alisal's only setback after an 0-2 start was to 8-0 Gilroy. Its double overtime win over Christopher signaled the culture of the program had changed.
All three of Alisal's setbacks are to teams headed to the postseason. It's possible it could see either Soledad or Gilroy again it the Division IV playoffs.
Redemption for now is on hold. Yes, making the playoffs warrants a celebration. It's happened just five times in 52 years at Alisal.
And while quarterback Andrew Marquez has put together an MVP type season for Alisal, it's truly been a team effort -- a group of unselfish players understanding their roles and relishing in them.
The Trojans will be a dangerous team when the postseason starts. Hope has turned to expectations.
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