ADVERTISEMENT 2
ADVERTISEMENT 3
Error: No articles to display
ADVERTISEMENT 1
ADVERTISEMENT 4
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.
A.D. Ibarra
-Eagle Pass Municipal Golf Course
Coach Beto Hernandez informed The News Gram of his 2015-2016 Eagle Pass Eagle and Lady Eagle Golf Programs.
"We presently have 42 participants in the Eagle and Lady Eagle golf programs," said Hernandez, "We're trying our best to become better players. My biggest concern is that they will learn the game to its fullest."
The Eagles are led by senior Diego Carrillo. Carrillo tied for second as they went to the score card, he placed 3rd. Diego’s Friday score was 82 and an exceptional 70 one under par on Sunday.
"He is our captain and came in 2nd in his first tournament this year in Mission."
"We also have Abraham Diaz, Rodrigo De La Cabada (seniors), junior Ricardo De La Cabada and freshman Sebastian Gomez."
"They work very hard and practice very hard. They're out there every day," closed Hernandez on his boys team.
Junior Susy Zavala is his Lady Eagle Captain, "She's coming around very well, the difference is that they are out there every day."
The team is rounded out by junior Shawnee Betancourt, freshman Isabela Gonzalez, freshman Lydia Saucedo and freshman Carolina Villarreal.
"I want to make sure that they put enough effort and commitment to the program," closed Coach Hernandez who has been at the helm of the CC Winn Golf Program for decades, "We want them to enjoy the game for the rest of their high school careers and the future."
The team is constantly working on basic fundamentals. These are 42 enthusiastic and motivated boys and girls learning the great game of golf. The team which is under new Head Coach Beto Hernandez and assistant coach Annie Rodriguez, are is learning the basic fundamentals of this lifelong sport.
"The future looks bright for the team. Goals have been set for the upcoming tournaments."
A.D. Ibarra
-Eagle Pass Municipal Golf Course
The 2015-16 version of the CC Winn Maverick and Lady Maverick golf program made their way to the ruins of Old Fort Duncan as they prepare to hit the links this weekend in Weslaco as they converge on the Tierra Santa Golf Club for the Weslaco ISD Invitational Golf Tournament, their first tournament of the season.
Coaches Pat Hernandez, Juan Tovar and Jaime Flores have worked hard to prepare their charges for the rigors that are the great game of golf.
"We have everyone coming back for another successful season," said Hernandez who says they have three returning seniors regional qualifier Paloma Garcia Zua-Zua, Adrian Alvarez and Daigo Matsuoka, " We bring experience combined with sheer talent along this season. We've placed emphasis on fundamentals and individual competition in the means of qualifying rounds for placement at each tournament."
Juniors Julianna Vasquez, Andrea De Alba, Victoria Santana-Carrazco, Jessica Valdez, Alan Ruiz and Alejandro Rios along with freshmen Matthew Rodriguez, Jose Ojeda and Diego Ibarra round off the members of the Silver & Black Attack Mav Golf Team this year.
"Everyone knows that you have to bring your "A" game everyday to practice. We have the experience and we have the talent, it's time to play," adds Hernandez who elaborated on the prospect of getting back Garcia Zua-Zua who wants to instill in her teammates that reaching regionals is a "reachable" goal, "She got there last year and it was a rewarding experience that will be a goal even after she graduates and moves on."
She added that Julianna Vasquez has turned up her golf game and has "taken it to the next level" after placing 2nd in Laredo last year. De Alba has "turned her game and shown much improvement." Hernandez says that Santana Carrasco is "probably one of our most consistent short game players" and she rounded off the girls squad by saying that Jessica Valdez placed in six of the seven tournaments the girls participated in.
She also feels her boys team will be very competitive with Adrian Alvarez and Daigo Matsuoka bring talent and experience to the golf program. Juniors Alan Ruiz and Alejandro Rios also bring experience to the team.
"Alan is so strong this year and has continued to move forward. His ball striking has impressed us as coaches. Alejandro has shown potential in his short game. We are looking forward to having Matthew Rodriguez and Jose Ojeda for the next four years. They understand their roles on the team and perform to the best of their ability."
Then she spoke of newcomer, International Golf Challenge and three-time Eagle Pass Junior Golf Champion Diego Ibarra, "This young man brings experience and talent to the team. We are expecting a lot from Diego, and I feel certain that he will pull through for us. He has some major goals to fulfill and with proper guidance and instruction we will get him there this year."
Coach Hernandez closed with some very poignant observations, "We continue to instill in our players the feel of competition and the mindset of belief in oneself and having the confidence of taking the game to a higher level."