A.D. Ibarra
-Eagle Pass
In the ninth 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 ended their season versus Del Rio this week and The Silver & Black Attack CC Winn Mavericks who just played their seventh district ball game vs Somerset on Thursday.
First up for the Eagles is starting WR/RB/K Jose Riojas Dees.
First of all Jose, congratulations on your big game against Alexander 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?
Our fans. They're always there to support us and they always keep pumping us up no matter what happens. In the pros, it's Cole Beasley of the Dallas Cowboys, because no matter what size you are, there are no limits to what you can accomplish.
What are your goals this season?
To help my team win, and one day to go to college and hopefully play college football.
Who's your favorite NFL team?
The Dallas Cowboys.
College team?
The UTSA Roadrunners.
What's your favorite play?
My favorite play is Blade 25 GT. I get Iram Gaytan blocking for me. He opens it up for me to gain extra yardage. He's massive. He really puts a lot of effort into every play. He's beast!
Give me your career highlight.
In the second half of our game vs Alexander, my coaches told me to play as if it was my senior year. I was blocking well. I was going against senior line backers and I did my job.
What are your plans after Graduation?
I want to live in San Antonio and hope to become an engineer.
Major?
Engineering.
Give me some advice to give to a seventh grader starting football.
Always try your best. Work hard. Have fun. Learn the game.
Finally, tell our readers what it feels like to come out of the tunnel.
It feels good. You see the lights, the people and the fans screaming and yelling for you. It makes me feel like I'm playing college football.
Next up is Maverick Outside Linebacker Ramiro Valdez.
Congratulations on an exceptional season, Ramiro. Proud of you. I've got some questions for you are you ready?
Yes, Sir.
Who are your influences?
My parents have always been my biggest influences.
What are your goals this season?
Hopefully reach the playoffs. Individually to just be the best player that I can possibly be.
Who's your favorite NFL team?
The Dallas Cowboys.
College?
The Oregon Ducks.
What's your favorite play and why?
Smoke and Silver because I have the liberty to blitz the quarterback.
What is your career highlight?
I had a career game against Laredo Cigarroa. That is the best game I played in my football career.
What are your plans after graduation?
Attend college.
Major?
I want to major in education.
What advice would you give a seventh grader playing football for the first time?
Play with your heart, go all out and have fun.
Finally, tell our readers what it feels like to come out of the tunnel.
The tension is rising, the team is together as one in unison. Knowing that all the attention is on you makes it worth while. It is the best feeling in the world..