By ANDREW CRUM, Staff Writer
Los Fresnos has had the best defense in District 32-6A this season, and it could continue that trend for a few more years with Sebastian Gonzales leading the way.
The middle linebacker is just a sophomore playing his first year of varsity football, but he leads the team with 102 tackles (48 solo and 54 assists) and has four tackles for a loss and one sack on the season.
“(Sebastian’s) been wonderful this year,” Los Fresnos coach Clint Finley said. “He’s like a quarterback out there on the field. He directs people, gets people lined up, plays multiple positions. He’s as sharp a football player as I’ve been around. You don’t have to tell him very many times, he’s got great audio skills. He’s just been very good out there on the football field.”
Gonzales, who averages nearly 13 tackles per game, has helped keep the Falcons’ defense at the top of the district at 262 yards and 12 points per game.
“I think it all starts with some returning players,” Gonzales said. “The coaches have helped me. I have a great position coach, and we have a great game plan for every single week. It makes us feel confident that we’re prepared for every single game.”
Gonzales worked hard after his freshman year to get ready for an opportunity to play on varsity. He worked out, watched film and learned everything he could about the linebacker position from his coaches. It all paid off for him to make that transition to the next level.
It wasn’t easy at first. Gonzales struggled early as he was nervous and uncomfortable. But as the intensity leveled out, his game has shined.
“As the season has went on, I’ve become more comfortable and more confident in my abilities,” he said. “I knew I was able to compete at this level.”
Finley has been very impressed with his grasp of the game.
“The amount of offense and defense, and Xs and Os that he has to know, as good as he’s picked it up and as well as he’s played has been pretty remarkable,” Finley said. “Mentally there are very few sophomores that can step up and use it on Friday night in those bright lights, and that’s something he’s done very well.”
With his abilities, Finley is excited to see Gonzales return to his defense for a couple more years.
“There’s no telling what he’s going to turn it to if he does the right things throughout the offseason,” Finley said. “He’s a good-sized kid already. He doesn’t look like a sophomore by the way he plays or by the way he looks already. If he puts in the work that the rest of the guys have throughout the years, he’s got a chance to be really special.”
Gonzales has his mind focused on this season and what he needs to do to help the Falcons reach the playoffs.
“I need to continue to make plays and continue to grow into a leading role on the defense,” he said. “Make sure I do my job, so everyone else can do their job.”
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.