MARK MOLINA and KEVIN NARRO | Staff Writers
The Hanna Golden Eagles may have missed the playoffs for the first time since 2016, but that didn’t stop senior defensive end Brandon Esteves for having another standout year.
Esteves once again led the charge for a young defense and was once of District 32-6A’s top players, earning him a spot on the 2019 Texas Associated Press Sports Editors Class 6A all-state high school football team.
The Hanna lineman racked up 88 tackles, 25 for a loss and three sacks, earning him the distinction of the district’s co-defensive player of the year.
“ For me, (being all-state) it just means that I’ve been real consistent in my work ethic,” Esteves said. “I’ve been exponentially growing as a person and a football player. I’m just glad to make my family proud, my coaches proud and, most importantly, make myself proud.”
While the accolade was a pleasant surprise, Esteves said the true best part of the season was preparing younger players, namely sophomore defensive tackle Beto Garcia, to take the next step.
“ I honestly wasn’t expecting an all-state team, but getting to mold some of these players, like Beto Garcia, has been an honor,” Esteves said. “I know he’ll be great. He’s going to get it done and going to lead the defense now that I’m gone.”
Hanna coach Mark Guess said that Esteves’ selfless play and attitude is what has made him one of the most special player he’s come across.
“ Brandon is one of those guys who has goals and knows what he wants to do,” Hanna coach Mark guess said. “He knows what it takes to get where he wants to go. He had a great spring and a great summer in the offseason and he ended up wanting to have a great year for his team first. If that didn’t work out, he certainly wanted to have a great season for himself. There is not another kid on the defensive side of the ball that I’ve ever coached that has worked or played as hard as that guy did.”
Esteves left his mark on the Hanna football program and a second straight all-state nod was simply the cherry on top of a career, prompting him to feel just one way.
“ You know what it feels like?” Esteves asked. “Extravagant.”
Esteves wasn’t the only District 32-6A player to make the Class 6A second-team list as Harlingen High senior linebacker Gabriel Martinez and co-defensive player of the year also made the cut.
Martinez, recorded 146 tackles, 11 for loss, and five sacks to lead the Cardinals’ defense, was taken aback with the second-team nod.
“ I found out just scrolling on Facebook and seeing the all-state 6A list so I thought I’d give it a look,” he said. “I was in utter shock when I saw my name on the list. Shortly after I saw my name, I yelled out calling my mom and dad to tell them I got selected for the all-state team. The award means so much to me. It’s a testament to how hard I’ve worked, and it’s great to achieve some recognition for the time I’ve put in.
“ I thank the man upstairs, my whole family for their undying support throughout my life,” Martinez added. “My coaches throughout the years, Coach (Manny) Gomez and Coach (Scott) Swinnea for being there to guide me my high school career, and last but not least, my teammates. I love and thank them for everything.”