By Brian Argabright
The 830 Times
Energy is one thing Angel Martinez is not in short supply of.
The 17-year-old senior plays tight end and wears 32 on the Del Rio football team this year and has become just as well known for his wild, arm-flailing celebrations as he is for his tough running after making a catch. His calorie-burning end zone celebration was on full display against Leander, as he ran through the end zone and back to the sideline, arms cutting through the air like he was ready to take flight.
But Martinez has been ready when his number’s been called, picking up key yards in games against Leander and most recently Laredo United South. He also found the end zone in Del Rio’s win against Laredo LBJ.
Martinez has been with the Rams since he was a sophomore and has played football the past seven years. Like many of his teammates Martinez saw potential in the team before the season’s games officially started.
“I feel we did good. We dominated as a team all around, but we still need more work to do,” Martinez said.
And like his teammates, Martinez said he’s seen a big change from last year’s team to this year’s squad.
“We got bigger and move at a faster tempo. There’s also more physicality among our players,” Martinez said.
Football isn’t in Martinez’s future after high school. Instead, he’s focusing his attention on learning a trade and putting his skills to the test on a different kind of field.
“I want to attend a trade school and become a welder or a mechanic,” he said.
Playing high school football is one thing, but playing the sport in Texas means a whole lot more. There’s a mythos beneath those stadium lights and it’s a sport that can force an entire town to shut down and sit in those same seats they’re father and they’re grandfather did.
That kind of feeling isn’t lost on Martinez.
“Being a Rams player means playing your favorite sport you watched as a little kid. Being there on the field, looking up at the stands and seeing so many fans makes you feel like a superstar,” Martinez said.
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Contact the author at drnhsports@gmail.com
