By ANDREW CRUM, Staff Writer
When the Bloodhounds’ Mario Garcia had an injury early on in the season, Anthony Cantu stepped up. The sophomore running back suddenly had to play a bigger role.
“At the beginning of the season when Mario Garcia got an injury, we were stressed out to put a heavy load on Anthony,” St. Joseph coach Tino Villarreal said. “It was a blessing in disguise. He hit the ground running and found his confidence. He’s a back that knows how to lower his shoulder and pump his feet.”
Cantu is second on the team in rushing with 647 yards on 102 carries (6.3 yards per carry) and nine touchdowns. The sophomore has two 100-yard games, and he has one catch for 3 yards and another score this year.
Cantu has helped the team run for 2,369 yards, an average of 263 yards per game.
“He has the confidence now,” Villarreal said. “He’s hard to bring down. He’s going to get us positive yardage, and it’s helped us establish a run game against some of these bigger teams.”
The sophomore running back said he’s confident because of his front five.
“It starts with the offensive line. I feel like I’m protected behind those big guys,” Cantu said. “Without them, I wouldn’t have the same confidence. I do the best I can for the team. I love this team, I love this school, and I don’t want to let anyone down.”
Cantu also has the nickname ‘Pony’ which he’s had since childhood. But with football, that has derived to ‘Pony Express.’
Cantu said the injury to Garcia forced him to focus and play to his ability.
“He got injured and that was bad for the team, but I knew I had to step it up for the team,” he said. “They expect a lot from us, and I just tried to play up to his level.”
Whether it’s youth or inexperience, Cantu doesn’t approach any game differently, no matter the opponent or their defensive scheme. He knows his role and what he needs to do. The sophomore doesn’t even concern himself with statistics.
When Villarreal told his sophomore running back that he would get his turn for more touchdowns during a recent game, the response from Cantu was simple, but to the point.
“Coach, I don’t care (about touchdowns), I want to win,” Cantu said.
When Garcia returned in the middle of the season, the two running backs gave the Bloodhounds more versatility on offense.
“It’s like thunder and lightning,” Villarreal said. “They have different running styles, Mario is definitely a fast back, but Anthony provides a punch and the short yardage when we need it. He’s made us better in third down situations.
“(Cantu) got his confidence early on, and we’re happy that we found a 1-2 punch in the running back position.”
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.