A.D. Ibarra
-Eagle Pass

    In the fourth installment of our weekly feature, The Eagle Pass News Gram highlights two players from each of our Fightin' High School Football Squads, the New-look Eagle Pass Eagles who will take on Laredo United this week and The Silver & Black Attack CC Winn Mavericks who are preparing to play their fifth district ball game vs Laredo Martin on Thursday.
    First up for the Eagles is starting Defensive Lineman Jesus Fernandez.
   
First of all Jesus, congratulations on your performance against LBJ which led to Coach Gonzalez' nomination as Player of the Week.  I've got a battery of questions for you, are you ready?
Yes, Sir.
I'll begin by asking who your influences are?
I would have to say that my role model is my brother Rolando Fernandez because he got me into this sport when I was little and he's taught me everything I know until now.  In the pros I look up to DeMarcus Ware.  He has a lot of fire and doesn't take any plays off.  Sometimes I wish I was him.
What are your goals this season?
My goals are to make playoffs and take my team far as a senior.
Who's your favorite NFL team?
The Dallas Cowboys.
College team?
Alabama.
What's your favorite play?
My favorite play is Even Pinch.  My job is to get to the quarterback and lay a hit on him.
Give me your career highlight.
My sophomore year, I had about fourteen tackles against LBJ.
What are your plans after Graduation?
Hopefully to go to the Border Patrol Academy and I hope I can make it.
Major?
Criminal Justice.
Give me some advice to give to a seventh grader starting football.
Don't give up.  There's going to be players that are bigger than you, but you can never fear an opponent.
Finally, tell our readers what it feels like to come out of the tunnel.
Being inside the tunnel is the best feeling ever.  Being inside that eagle everyone is hyped up and yelling.  Once you see those stands, all you can see is orange and the colors of the other team to the opposite side and no empty seats!

Next up is Maverick Linebacker Eduardo Aranda.

Congratulations on a great game against Cigarroa, Eduardo.  You all worked as a team to keep our playoff hopes alive.  Proud of you. I've got some questions for you are you ready?
Yes, Sir.
Who are your influences?
I consider my brother Christopher Aranda to be my biggest influence because of the way he pushes me to be better than him.  I would also include Kawhi Leonard because he is a very humble person who works hard and lets his play do the talking.  You just know he works very hard to be as good as he is.
What are your goals this season?
My goal this season is to accomplish something our football program has never done... Make the State Playoffs.
Who's your favorite NFL team?
The Dallas Cowboys.
College?
The Oregon Ducks.
What's your favorite play and why?
My favorite play is Smoke.  They send me to go hit the quarterback and getting a sack is one of the best feelings there is in this game.
What is your career highlight?
My career highlight would have to be my freshman year vs Uvalde, I started the game off on my first play with a pick six!
What are your plans after graduation?
I plan to go to college and start my career.
Major?
Criminal Justice.
What advice would you give a seventh grader playing football for the first time?
Effort is in you.  Treat every play as if it were your last.
Finally, tell our readers what it feels like to come out of the tunnel.
Coming out of the tunnel feels like you're living your dream.  It's like no other feeling in the world.  Just hearing the crowd yelling and the band playing our Fight Song is a whole different atmosphere!