First up for the Eagles is starting Linebacker Mando Lopez.
First of all Mando, congratulations on containing Jay QB Moses Reynolds and keeping him in check for the entire first half. You were all over the field! Good job. I've got a battery of questions for you, are you ready?
Yes, Sir.
I'll begin by asking who your influences are?
My parents. They're always there for me to support me. Ray Lewis is an influence because I like the way he played and his intensity.
What are your goals this season?
On winning. Getting ready for district and hopefully we can come out District Champs. I want to be the best linebacker in the district and help my team to make the playoffs.
Who's your favorite NFL team?
The Dallas Cowboys.
College team?
Texas A&M.
What's your favorite play?
Bama Tight. Because I'm free and I get to find the ball. We corralled Moses Reynolds with this play and I made a few tackles on their running back.
Give me your career highlight.
My 55 yard interception for a touchdown against United South my sophomore year. (Lopez jumped a quick out from the Panther quarterback and took it all the way for a score, an amazing play).
What are your plans after Graduation?
To go to college and play football or baseball and to keep working hard.
Major?
Kinesiology.
Give me some advice to give to a seventh grader starting football.
Just listen to your coaches, go full speed all the time and practice hard because how you practice is how you play.
Finally, tell our readers what it feels like to come out of the tunnel.
It's the best thing you can experience as a high school football player, the Eagle War Cry, the cheerleaders, all the crowd. It makes you proud to be an Eagle Pass Eagle.
Next up is Maverick Outside Linebacker German De Luna.
Congratulations on an amazing game vs Eagle Pass, German. You had eleven tackles and gave the Eagles all they could handle. What a game! Proud of you. I've got some questions for you are you ready?
Yes, Sir.
Who are your influences?
My brothers and sister. I really look up to them and consider them my role models. I think about making them proud every time I get on that field. In the pros, I like the Dallas Cowboys and Sean Lee is a player I admire. I like the way he plays the game.
What are your goals this season?
Win district, go to the playoffs and be the best football player I can be.
Who's your favorite NFL team?
The Dallas Cowboys.
College?
Notre Dame Fighting Irish.
What's your favorite play and why?
Maverick Wide Whack. It's my favorite because I get to blitz in and make a play right away.
What is your career highlight?
It would have to be the game last Friday against Eagle Pass. None of us wanted to lose and we were really pumped up for that game which helped. I really think both teams had fought hard up to that point. I had eleven tackles. I really like making tackles for loss of yards.
What are your plans after graduation?
To attend the prestigious University of Texas.
Major?
Mechanical or Civil Engineering.
What advice would you give a seventh grader playing football for the first time?
Don't try to be better than everybody else. Be better than you ever thought you could be.
Finally, tell our readers what it feels like to come out of the tunnel.
It is an unexplainable type of feeling. I just get goose bumps running through my whole body and my heart starts racing just hearing the fans as I come out of the tunnel.