- Staff
The Boys are Back
Reilly Rodgers
Sports Editor
Football brings the whole town together for Friday Night Lights and expectations are higher than ever given the newfound success of last year. Hopes are high for a district champs repeat and the first playoff game win in over thirty years. After ending the season in a disappointing loss at Matador Stadium in the first week of the playoffs, everyone is giddy with anticipation for the team to get another shot.
Marques Washington, Varsity’s starting running back, has picked up where Jacob Berkley left off after graduating. In the season opener at Antonian, Washington ran for 157 yards and scored two touchdowns. After backing up Berkley last year, he’s ready to take up the mantle of Mighty Matador’s star running back.
“As a kid I used to get bullied a lot so football’s where I take my anger out,” Washington said. “[I] can get my mind off of things and I have a family out there so it’s fun for me. [The goal] is to be 1-0 every week, and go to district, and play with my family as long as I can. They’re my brothers you know that’s my family, we get better every day.”
Junior John Leandro plays defensive tackle on JV and is a key leader of the team. From the front line of the defense he pumps everyone up and makes sure everyone carries out their roles.
“My favorite part of this football program is that, year by year, and even when you first start, you build a brothership with your teammates,” Leandro said. “We’re coming back better and stronger than last year for sure. We took a major loss with our seniors leaving but the culture is still there and we’re gonna keep building on that.”
No matter what team they’re on every single player is raring to go for the 2019-20 season of Matador football. The Matadors are more motivated than ever, and are prepared for another playoff run.
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