Although the NFL season just ended, that only means one thing: Spring Football is just around the corner, and with that comes a new season of the Northern Virginia Rampage. Leading up to next month’s opener, we will highlight some players who will look to bring home the national championship to Dumfries. Led by coach and co-owner Jason Rock, the Rampage has established a foundation that is expected to compete on a consistent basis.

Defensive end and tight end Gilbert Glasco, one of the longer tenured players on the former Virginia Mutiny, spoke about the team’s culture and how it resonates to the new players after last year’s national championship appearance. “Bringing in new guys, we lead by example, setting the precedent for others to follow. They’ll get the gist of what you’re putting forward. I would not step forth on a team if I didn’t expect to win. This is a big part of our lives that we’re dedicated to.”

Jarrod Denham, who plays both slot receiver and special teams, is one of the new players, and talks about the balance of work and football. “It’s definitely more difficult when you have other responsibilities like work with focus on football,” said Denham. “But everyone loves the sport, and that’s really encouraging.”

Defensive back Thomas Bothwell concurs with his teammate. Bothwell, who began play while stationed in San Diego for the Marine Corps, was connected to Rock via a mutual friend. “I’m fortunate to have a career that allows me to be flexible,” he said. “I can dedicate time to being my best on and off the field.”

He praised the coaching staff for creating uniformity, “We have a lot of things we have to focus on, and the coaches are always there to listen to us.”

Darnell Council, a former two-time captain at Virginia State, is in his first year playing semi-professional football. He talks about how the players are able to stay in touch with the coaches, even with the pandemic, making it difficult to always meet in person. “We don’t have a lot of time to practice, so we try to maximize the time we have. We are able to always talk to the coaches outside of practice and ask questions. They’re always willing to listen and answer.”

Safety Gavin Tringale shared his story of his emotional journey leading him to play for the Rampage.

“During a routine checkup, I found out that I had a heart condition, diagnosed as a slower heartbeat,” said the Lake Braddock High School graduate. “They advised me to hold off from playing football.”

After graduating, he went to Northern Virginia Community College, then transferred to George Mason University. There, he gave football another opportunity after another checkup gave a positive update. “I was no longer diagnosed with the heart condition and once I was cleared, I played for the club football team and met Rock.”

Despite having to sit out last season because of an ACL injury, he talked about what he learned and how it motivated him to get back out as soon as possible. ” During my recovery time, I wanted to work hard and get back out there. When I played at GMU for Coach Rock, I was always in good shape and dedicated myself to being better each day.”

“[Dealing with injury] really breaks you down as a person, and if you find strength in yourself to get back up, you can make it. My mind was all over the place in a deep state of depression, but when I watched the games, it gave me the confidence to get back out there and help them win a championship.”

Although they didn’t reach that goal last year, Rock is excited about the team’s potential and appreciates their hard work. “We’re looking to climb the mountain and finish what we started last year,” said Rock. “We were in 2A, now we’re in 3A, which is the highest you can go. I put us in the toughest league on the East Coast, and that’s where we belong.”

“I have a special bond with all of them, and without these guys, I wouldn’t be the coach that I am. We have a special bond on and off the field. Being at weddings, taking long road trips together. I just look forward to what they’re going to do on and off the field.”