By ANDREW CRUM, Staff Writer
With Los Fresnos losing several skill players to graduation during the past two years, the Falcons were looking for players to fit those roles.
Senior tight end/fullback Isaiah Zepeda has done just that in multiple ways.
“We don’t have the same type of team that we’ve had in the past, and we’re starting to figure out who we are and what we’re made of,” Los Fresnos coach Clint Finley said. “Isaiah’s filled the shoes of several different players in different ways. He allows us to be able to continue to do some of the things we’ve been used to doing around here for the past two or three years.”
For Zepeda, it doesn’t matter which position the team needs him to play. It varies with the play and the game plan for an opponent for the week. Last week against Edinburg North, Zepeda was utilized more at tight end. The senior had four catches for 116 yards and one touchdown. This week he suggested he might be running more plays at fullback. Either way, Zepeda is happy to do what’s best for the team.
“I just have to do my job,” he said.
His impact at both positions is important for the Falcons’ offense as it utilizes each position consistently, whether running or passing the ball.
“He’s been great so far. He does so many things for us,” Finley said. “There is so much on his plate, yet he does a good job of knowing what to do, where to line up and knowing how to do it for all these different positions.
“We ask a whole lot of him, and he’s done nothing but make plays. He’s a playmaker.”
It started with work in the offseason. Finley said Zepeda worked hard after last season and in the summer to trim down and improve his speed.
“We’ve always known he has great hands,” Finley said. “But his ability to run and play in space all comes through the hard work that he put in. He did some good things for us last year, but this year he’s really stepped up and been one of our go-to (players). I’m really proud of all the hard work that he’s done this year. He’s probably the most improved player.”
Zepeda is motivated not just by the success of the team, he hopes the younger players notice his hard work. It’s the same thing he got from his brother, who is five years older and previously was a wide receiver for Los Fresnos.
“I know I’m not vocal, but I try to lead by example. I want kids to look up to me as I looked up to my brother,” he said. “Whatever he did, I wanted to do.”
The Falcons have only played one game this season, but Finley sees that Zepeda is going to be a crucial piece, especially during district season.
“He’s one of our guys with the most consistent hands,” Finley said. “He’s got a knack for getting open. It might not be exactly the way you drew it up, but he finds a way to get open.”
Zepeda’s ability to play multiple positions is helping the Falcons’ offense get back to form.
“We’ve able to throw the football a little bit better, which has been tremendous, and Isaiah has been a big part of that,” Finley said. “He also fills the role of the fullback and the tight end, he does it, he gets the job done. He’s kind of a rover on offense, he can do it all.
“He’s been someone we’ve be able to count on so far this season, and hopefully that continues.”
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.