By ANDREW CRUM, Staff Writer
Sometimes a coach can see into the future about a special player.
Matar is now a senior, but Putegnat saw his leadership qualities even as a freshman.
“Daniel’s always had that quality, he’s always been that way,” Putegnat said. “He’ll definitely be one that’s missed (next year).”
The three-year starter is not only a captain on defense, but he’s one of the team’s captains.
“I understand the responsibilities, but everyone knows what they’re doing out there. It makes my job easy,” Matar said. “I just make sure we are keeping the tempo up and focused on the next play. Everyone is an important part and plays an important role on the team.”
Matar strives to do the things for the young guys that he would have cherished as a young player.
He often is giving the younger players tips, guiding them, telling them to live in the moment and relish the time because it doesn’t last. Matar said he has known most of the younger players before they were teammates because most of them are brothers of friends.
That is why he’s even more inclined to bridge the gap between teammates.
Putegnat says having a player like Matar helps the entire team.
“He helps figure out how the team is feeling, the kids feed off of him,” Putegnat said. “He knows what we expect, what we want and does a good job of guiding the young kids or pushing the older ones. He’s really good about that. He sees it as his family.”
Putegnat shared a moment that occurred during a recent game. Matar had to come out a few plays, but instead of getting a much needed rest he never left the sideline.
“He never stopped coaching, he never stopped encouraging (his teammates),” Putegnat said. “I was very pleased.”
Matar takes it upon himself to be a good leader, particularly by the example he sets.
“I like that they see I don’t take any plays off,” he said. “I think that’s been my thing since sophomore year, play as hard as I can because this time is unique. We’re not always going to be out here with the same guys.”
Putegnat said Matar is one of the smartest players he has, so the leadership comes with being able to understand what everyone is doing on the field.
Matar said the team has worked hard since the summer and focused on the mentality that this wasn’t going to be a rebuilding year despite losing a large senior class. The Bloodhounds are 3-0 heading into the Week 4 matchup with Pharr Oratory.
“We come every day to practice. We practice to win, we don’t practice to get better,” he said. “We’re really united and talking about being a family and playing as brothers on the field. We play for each other, and I truly believe that.”
“The goal (for the week) is always 1-0. The goal is day by day, taking one day at a time, not worrying about the big picture.”
Andrew Crum covers sports for The Brownsville Herald. You can reach him at (956) 982-6629 or via email at [email protected]. On Twitter he’s @andrewmcrum.