interception and a fantastic fumble recovery to put the Mavericks ahead for good in the Mavericks' big district win over visiting McCollum and who is ready to play in another big game against Southside here tomorrow night. On the other side, you couldn't have had a bigger game than Rey Rey Mendoza did against South San last Friday with three big scores, all passes from Richie Luna in Eagle Pass' 43-14 thrashing of the Bobcats.
First up is CC Winn's Azael Rodriguez:
Who do you consider to be your biggest influences? (Could be your parents, but also include a professional player or national figure)
I want to say my mom especially because she's the one making the effort to drop me off, keep me healthy. She's always there for me. Whenever I have a bad game she's there and whenever I have a good game she's proud of me. Someone I consider to be one of my biggest influences is Kam Chancellor. Why? Because he overcame many obstacles just as I have over the years.
What are your goals this season?
Be District Champs.
Who's your favorite NFL team?
The Green Bay Packers.
College team?
The Oklahoma Sooners.
What's your favorite play and why? (Give me a good long one)
Frog/White because it is a man concept and I like to play man so I can completely shut down my receiver. I really like to hit the receiver to set the tone and let him know know how it's gonna be.
What are your plans after Graduation?
To study my basics here then move on to a university.
Major?
Mathematical Engineering.
What does it feel like to come out of the tunnel? What do you feel when you hear the fight song?
To come out of the tunnel on Fridays is breath taking and hearing our fight song gets me in game mode.
Finally, give me some advice to a seventh grader playing football for the first time.
Be mentally strong, keep pushing yourself to the limit even when your body can't keep up.
Next up is Eagle Pass' Rey Mendoza:
Who do you consider to be your biggest influences? (Could be your parents, but also include a professional player or national figure)
My dad is my biggest influence, because he's always pushed me to go beyond what I'm capable of. My dad's more on the athletic side and my mother pushes me academically. Professionally, I look up to Derek Jeter. I like his mindset, he's always pushing himself to work hard and put in the actual work back when he was playing.
What are your goals this season?
To make it to the playoffs and end the drought. Personally, to go all out for the guy next to me, have his back the way he has mine. Go all out every play and trust what the coaches are teaching us.
Who's your favorite NFL team?
The Kansas City Chiefs.
College team?
UT.
What's your favorite play and why? (Give me a good long one)
Stick Double when I'm isolated. Me and Richie [Luna] are always talking about how we're building chemistry and we just connect every time.
What are your plans after Graduation?
To go to college. Maybe play sports.
Major?
Pharmacy.
What does it feel like to come out of the tunnel? What do you feel when you hear the fight song?
It's a great feeling just running out. It pumps you up, you look up and see the crowd cheering, it's a great feeling. To me it just makes me want to do more. Put on a good performance for the school and make them happy.
Finally, give me some advice to a seventh grader playing football for the first time.
Don't be afraid, put in all the work. Remember what you put into it is what you get out of. Practice hard and try to do more than what you can.