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 Alexander this week and The Silver & Black Attack CC Winn Mavericks who are preparing to play their sixth district ball game vs Laredo Nixon on Friday.

    First up for the Mavericks is starting Center Juan Dees.
First of all Juan, congratulations on your big 'Winn' against Martin last week.  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 are my biggest influence for me to play is just to see them happy.  In the pros it has to be Michael Oher (of The Blind Side fame, a motion picture starring Sandra Bullock that tells the story, the trials and tribulations of this University of Mississippi star who now plays for the Baltimore Ravens) because you can overcome any obstacle that is thrown your way and he is the living, breathing example.
What are your goals this season?
My goals are to make playoffs.
Who's your favorite NFL team?
The Dallas Cowboys.
College team?
Ole Miss.
What's your favorite play?
My favorite play is 23 Slip Right because I get to go upfield and get a good block on someone and we can get more yardage.
Give me your career highlight.
One time, I hit a guy so hard, our helmets got stuck.  There we were, with our helmets fused together.  It was not a pretty scene and I guess it could've been dangerous, but it was pretty cool.  My highlights go with the success of our running backs and Lalo Martinez has had like five or six 100 yard games.
What are your plans after Graduation?
To go to college.
Major?
Computer Science.
Give me some advice to give to a seventh grader starting football.
Always give your best and have fun.  Don't give up.  It all comes to an end before you know it.
Finally, tell our readers what it feels like to come out of the tunnel.
It's overwhelming coming out of the tunnel and all of your emotions leave while you run out with your team.

Next up is Maverick Linebacker Eduardo Aranda.
Congratulations on a great touchdown against United, Ricky.  Proud of you.  I've got some questions for you are you ready?
Yes, Sir.
Who are your influences?
I consider my brother Daniel Felix.  He's dedicated.  He's always told me to work hard.  He always stresses that nothing in life comes easy.  In the pros, Tony Romo even under pressure he performs very well. 
What are your goals this season?
To make the playoffs.
Who's your favorite NFL team?
The Dallas Cowboys.
College?
Alabama.
What's your favorite play and why?
14 GT.  It always works and I can always trust my linemen to block for me. 
What is your career highlight?
This past game (vs United) was my first TD of the season.  It was 14 GT and I got really nervous because the hole opened up really big.  I hit it full speed and when I realized that I was going to score, I wanted to do something with the ball and I bobbled it.  My heart skipped a beat then i got REALLY nervous but I still scored, thank goodness.
What are your plans after graduation?
Go to college to become an orthopedic surgeon.
Major?
Biology, Pre-Med and Medical School.
What advice would you give a seventh grader playing football for the first time?
You need to prepare.  Start preparing now because high school is a different monster.
Finally, tell our readers what it feels like to come out of the tunnel.
It's exhilarating!  It's an adrenaline rush.  The only thing you think about is the other team and going toe-to-toe with them on every play.