KEVIN NARRO | Staff Writer
SAN BENITO — Senior defensive back Nick Castaneda is no stranger to the big stage.
The Greyhounds are back in the third round of the playoffs for a second straight year and will meet their toughest challenge in Converse Judson. Castaneda was a part of last year’s playoff run and has plenty of big-game experience as he and the ’Hounds prepare for the Rockets.
Castaneda has recorded 85 tackles and leads the team with two interceptions this season. The ’Hounds will play host to the Rockets at 7:30 p.m. Friday at Bobby Morrow Stadium.
The Valley Morning Star had a chance to catch up with Castaneda.
Q: Playing in triple overtime against PSJA North, what was that game like?
Nick: It was a great experience, both crowds were going crazy, it was intense. It was fun to be a part of. I have never been a part of it as a player, you see games like that on TV, and to be a part of it and winning was great.
Q: What were the emotions like after the game?
Nick: My emotions went wild, I ran to my friend, Hector Avalos, and gave him a hug. It was a great feeling.
Q: Was it the craziest game you have been a part of?
Nick: Yes, it is the craziest game I have played in. We went in confident, and (PSJA North) played tough and gave us a great game.
Q: You all are back in the third round of the playoffs. What does that mean to you?
Nick: It means a lot to me, for us to be able to keep the tradition going and knowing that the seniors before us left a mark and for us to continue that tradition.
Q: Hosting a third-round playoff game against a team from outside of the Valley is a rare thing. Talk to us about that.
Nick: It is fun, and playing a tough team like Judson coming into town, we are excited and ready for the challenge.
Q: What is the preparation like during a game week?
Nick: It is work. We get prepared and we wake up early in the morning and get our practices in, then go to school. It is a grind and if you love this sport, it is not work.
Q: You were elected as a team captain, what does that mean to you?
Nick: It is a lot of work preparing, and preparing my teammates, it’s a responsibility. I like it and I like pumping up my teammates, and pushing them to be their best.
Q: Who is your favorite superhero?
Nick: It has to be Bruce Wayne, Batman. He doesn’t exactly have super powers, but he is a cool guy.
Q: What is your favorite sports moment?
Nick: It would have to be the Odell Beckham Jr. one-handed catch against the Cowboys. I remember us watching the game and my entire family, they are Cowboys fans. I just remember being in awe of what he did, it was crazy.
Q: What is the most expensive thing you have broken?
Nick: My friend’s flat-screen TV, it was brand new, too. We were messing around in the living room and the box to the charger flew off, and it hit the TV and broke it.
Q: Tell us something about yourself that we might now know?
Nick: I like to free style rap!