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Nick and Sean Gardiner
Brothers Nick and Sean Gardiner, both linebackers for the Port Neches-Groves Indians (13-2), are leading the defensive charge as the Indians seek their first state title since 1975 when they play Dallas South Oak Cliff in the UIL Class 5A Division II state championship Friday, Dec. 16, inside AT&T Stadium in Arlington. Kickoff is set at 7 p.m. The game will be shown live on cable television via Bally Sports, as well as an audio broadcast on Cool 92.5 FM.
Nick, a senior, plays middle linebacker, while the younger brother, Sean, a junior, holds down one of the outside linebackers’ positions. Both have played an integral part in shutting down opponents’ high-powered offenses in the playoffs.
Their parents are Athina and Stefon Gardiner.
“They are excited and in shock,” said Athina. “They’ve worked so hard to get to this point. The team had a lot of the kids back who played last year.
“Not being expected to go this far, I think they always knew they had what it takes. They continue to get better and better each week. It’s a learning tool in how to stay disciplined and where hard work can get you,” she said.
Gardiner said the boys have played football since they were 6 years old and attended school in Port Neches-Groves ISD since middle school.
“They’ve worked as a team because they play on the same side of the ball,” she said.
Athina also said the entire family is excited about them playing the state championship game.
“It’s awesome and exciting at the same time,” she added.
Donny Teate Jr., who is married to Athina’s sister, Dana Lapoint-Teate, was a three-sport athlete at LC-M High School and knows talent when he sees it.
“I’ve seen them put in the work since they were 4 and 5 years old,” said Teate. “They’ve always been hard workers, whether it was football or baseball. We are proud to see them experiencing these big moments together.”
The Indians are led by first year and rookie head coach Jeff Joseph, who is the son of legendary Katy head coach, Gary Joseph.