By ANDREW CRUM, Staff Writer
Los Fresnos fielded the best defense in District 32-6A this season.
Fabian Rodriguez, the Falcons’ senior safety, led a squad that allowed 258 yards and 12 points per game, and one that helped clinch a share of the district title and earned a playoff berth.
Rodriguez earned district accolades as the top defensive player and now adds The Brownsville Herald’s 2015 All-Metro Defensive Player of the Year honor to the list as well.
Los Fresnos coach Clint Finley said his senior safety improved because of his focus in the offseason.
“(Fabian) was able to read and react (better this year),” Finley said. “He has a lot of natural ability. He got better because he wasted less movement, he didn’t rely on his instincts. He relied on his fundamental skills, he didn’t take false steps. He was at the play quicker.”
Rodriguez was one of the team’s leading tacklers with 97 tackles (60 solo), including 10 for a loss, forced two fumbles, blocked a field goal and had two interceptions, one of which that was returned for a touchdown.
The senior gave credit to a new strength & conditioning coach that helped him slim down and increase his speed to the ball.
“Last year I weighed 200 pounds, and he brought me down to 180,” Rodriguez said. “He got me quicker, faster and more mobile.”
In fact, that was a key for the entire defensive unit.
“Play faster, take fewer false steps and do what your eyes tell you to do,” Finley said. “Don’t go until you know. Read what you see, but don’t be stuck in mud. (Fabian) did a much better job this year. He played faster, but with more patience.”
Rodriguez is tough, too.
After breaking his nose against Lopez, Rodriguez had surgery a few days later and missed the game against San Benito. But he returned the following week ready to go.
“He’s a tough kid, he has been since he was young,” Finley said. “He’s got that motor, that desire. He’s not afraid to hurt.
“He was the toughness of our football team.”
Rodriguez was supposed to miss up to three months, but he couldn’t miss the remainder of his final season.
“I love football, and I have to be out there with my family,” he said. “I can’t feel bad for myself. I’m not going to let a nose break stop me from playing out there with my brothers. I didn’t feel any pain. I just thought about playing and the brother next to me, lining up next to me, just going day by day to get through it.”
Finley was especially impressed by his leadership this season. As the three-year varsity player continued to increase his leadership role, his teammates followed and became a cohesive unit on defense.
The Falcons’ coach was happy for the accolades Rodriguez has earned, but unfortunately for him, he knows Rodriguez will be tough to replace next season.
“I couldn’t be prouder of him,” Finley said. “But it’s going to be hard because he was a dang good one, and he’s leaving some pretty big shoes to fill.”
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.