By CLAIRE CRUZ, Staff Writer
LOS FRESNOS — The Los Fresnos Falcons have been surprising doubters, and even themselves, all season.
They went on a five-game winning streak after dropping two in a row, setting themselves up to play for a share of the District 32-6A title. Then, they rolled to a blowout 56-14 victory over Mission High in the bi-district round.
Los Fresnos (7-3) hopes to shock people again when it battles Northside Brennan (11-0) at 2 p.m. today at Farris Stadium in San Antonio in the area round.
“We’ve been looked at as the underdogs this whole year, so it’s nothing new to us. It doesn’t faze us,” senior Hector Muniz said. “They’re a good team and so are we, so we’re just going to stick to the game plan. I know it’s a big game, but we’ll treat it like it’s a regular one. Soak it all in.”
Muniz is a versatile weapon for the Falcons, making plays as a running back, receiver and corner. He has shined particularly bright on offense and feels this season has showed off his athleticism and maturity.
This season has been the most successful and special for Muniz during his Falcons football career. He said the team’s chemistry and willingness to “fight together and succeed together” instead of playing as individuals has been key.
“I wish I would’ve had more time on offense in my past years, but I feel I’ve shown people what I can do,” Muniz said. “I’ve learned how to keep my composure. I (used to) lose my cool after one bad play. Now I shake it off and bounce back. … I’m trying to make the most of (this season), and hopefully things keep going. It’s a new L.F. Until the wheels fall off.”
Los Fresnos’ defense and special teams have anchored the team’s strong performances this season. The Falcons believe they have an edge over Brennan on special teams, and a big part of the unit is linebacker Jayden Moreno. The junior is also a playmaker on defense, and he feels Los Fresnos’ mentality and physicality can lead it to victory.
“Our perspectives really changed because of COVID. We all came out with integrity and wanted to play hard,” Moreno said. “We usually stay constant, make sure we’re on top of things. We don’t like to mess up. I personally feel like other teams haven’t hit (Brennan) as hard as our defense is going to hit them. They don’t push as hard as we do. We’re going to have a good game, win or lose.”
Junior linebacker RJ Limon is another impactful athlete on defense. He credited defensive coordinator Brent Blackman for making the defense as dominating as it is and believes the Falcons will bring a different challenge than Brennan has seen before.
Limon is excited to experience the area round for the first time and likes his team’s chances on the big stage.
“Day 1, I felt we were not going to be this great. Coach Blackman kept pushing us and pushing us to be what we are now,” Limon said. “(Brennan hasn’t) played a team that does what we do. Their running game is really good, they have a lot of athletes. I’m strongly confident in our D-line and our box that we can stop the run as much as possible.
“Lots of people didn’t expect us to do what we did, and it’s crazy to be here,” Limon continued. “It feels amazing. We’re ready and we’re coming.”
First-year Falcons coach David Cantu said his players learned to “never (let) anyone in life allow you to feel inferior” throughout various obstacles this season. That confidence culminated in a total team effort in the impressive bi-district victory. And that confidence will lead Los Fresnos to leave everything on the field as it fights to keep this season alive.
“The belief ultimately had to come from the kids, and that started with the seniors and certain leaders we have on this team in Greg Jones, Matt Padilla, Hector Muniz, Rex Halford, Cody Taylor and Ethan Gonzalez,” Cantu said. “Once those guys truly in their hearts believed in what they were doing, that’s all they really needed because it’s a talented team.
“All three phases finally clicked (against Mission High),” he added. “It’s usually defense dominated, or special teams had huge plays, but finally offense kicked in pretty consistently as well. And when that happens, if we can do that again, we have a chance.”