FREDDY GONZALEZ | Valley Morning Star
The Santa Rosa Warriors are off to hot start to the 2017 season and Christian Castillo is a big reason for that. While Castillo is the leader on defense, the linebacker/fullback is also second on the team in rushing with 221 yards on 20 carries. This week the Warriors face another stern test as they take on the La Feria Lions in the Battle of FM 506.
“He’s our leader on defense,” said Santa Rosa head coach Hector Ayala. “Christian always helps the younger guys, always asks what else he can do for the team and is an unselfish player.”
The Valley Morning Star had a chance to talk to Castillo and get to know him a little better.
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Q: Living in Santa Rosa, what does the Battle of FM 506 mean to you?
CHRISTIAN: The Battle of 506 means everything to me. It’s one of the competitive matchups we have in our non-district schedule and I just want to make our community proud by going in there and walking out with a victory.
Q: Do you have any favorite memories from the annual rivalry?
CHRISTIAN: It’s when I went in my sophomore year as a linebacker and made a play. That’s was my first-ever solo tackle
Q: History is not on the Warriors’ side. How has that inspired the team this year?
CHRISTIAN: It’s inspired us because it has pushed us to change the culture at Santa Rosa. We want to set the tone for the underclassman that are returning.
Q: For people who haven’t experienced a rivalry like the Battle of the 506, what’s the best part leading up to the game?
CHRISTIAN: The pre-game jitters. You know it’s going to be a packed house and you know everyone is going to be looking, so you just have to show up and bring your A game.
Q: The team is off to a good 3-1 start to the season. What is the mood like in the locker room heading into a game like this?
CHRISTIAN: It’s nothing but businesses. Everyone is focused because we know that La Feria isn’t a pushover, so we’re looking to go in there full speed.
Q: What’s the best advice you would give to the future athletes ready to represent the yellow and black?
CHRISTIAN: No one is going to give you anything. You have to go take it. If you work hard during the offseason and you work hard throughout the season, the sky’s the limit for you and your team.
Q: Do you have any pregame rituals that you must do before a game?
CHRISTIAN: I don’t know why, but I always listen to “Dani California” by the Red Hot Chilli Peppers because it reminds me of my family and it puts me in my comfort zone.
Q: Do you have a saying or motto that you live your life by?
CHRISTIAN: The motto I live by is: “Today I will do what others won’t so that tomorrow I can accomplish what others can’t.” I like this motto because it has what your football team needs to be like. They need to be working every day in the summer so that when the season comes around it’s a piece of cake.