NATHANIEL MATA | THE MONITOR
Even if the McAllen High Bulldogs have struggled in non-district play with a 1-3 record, there’s no question Gunnar Henderson has been the engine that makes the team go.
He accounts for 38 of the Bulldogs’ 93 points this year and has scored at least one TD in every game, totaling six. He’s been one of the Valley’s most explosive players on the young season.
“I believe it’s just our coaches and my teammates putting me in great positions to get the ball in space and just letting me do my thing,” Henderson said.
Henderson’s “thing” is quickness, and teams are finding out the hard way on a weekly basis. The receiver showed off his foot speed while returning the opening kickoff 100 yards for a score against Victoria East.
Big plays are becoming a standard for the senior. Henderson has two receiving TDs of more than 50 yards, plus he’s been used as a running back and kick returner. He’s already accumulated 562 all-purpose yards before suiting up for a district game.
He said he is prepared to get the ball as many times as it takes to win.
“I have always dreamed of playing on Friday nights,” Henderson said. “I’m more than ready. I want all the touches I can get. All the touches I can get to help my team.
It’s also no secret that Henderson’s skills on Friday nights are quickly gaining interest from college programs that want him to play on Saturdays.
He’s received an offer at the Division I level from Yale University and just spent a weekend visiting Texas State. He knows a strong final season can only help.
“Recruiting-wise, I’m getting shown a lot of interest,” Henderson said. “I think I need to finish the season off the way I started it, and everything will fall into place the way I’d like it to end up.”