Marble Falls student Quincy Rodriguez plays in all-star game

CAPTION: Marble Falls Middle School seventh-grader Quincy Rodriguez takes in the setting of the North Texas contest of Texas All-State Football. Courtesy photo

Marble Falls Middle School student athlete Quincy Rodriguez competed in the North Texas contest of Texas All-State Football June 5-7.

He helped his team win 12-6. The game was played June 7 at North Crowley High School.

The contest was for middle school athletes.

“I did good, I liked it,” Rodriguez said. “I played with good people and different people from Texas.”

The game is a fundraiser that benefits foster children in the state. Fans were asked to donate gift cards instead of paying gate fees to watch and enjoy the contest.

Rodriguez said he met new players and coaches during the event, which included two practices leading up to the contest.

“It was a brand new group of players on both sidelines,” he said. “I played middle linebacker, defensive end and right guard.”

His mother, Jessica, said the reason her son played those positions is because about a handful of players expected to participate didn’t, and they were going to play on the line. In short Rodriguez’s team needed him at those spots instead of his customary role of running back, which he filled for his Marble Falls Youth Football and Cheer team.

The younger Rodriguez was on the field when his team scored. One was a running play.

“The running back ran to the other side,” the Mustang said. “He reversed it and ran up the sideline for the touchdown.”

The other score was on a passing play, and Rodriguez was pass protecting.

Defensively, he made about seven tackles.

Jessica Rodriguez said her son was put on a watch list and Texas All-State Football officials saw video and other highlights of him on social media then extended an invitation.

“I know he was a little bummed about not playing the running back position,” she said. “I’ve said to him to play and get to know every position. So no matter what you do, you’ll know every position and your team will need you, no matter what. He had a good time and made friends.”

She said her family was happy to be part of a game that was a fundraiser.

“We try to give back to the community as best we can,” she said. “I actually didn’t know that until I signed him up for the all-star game. It was good to give back.”

Quincy Rodriguez said he enjoyed the experience and believes it will help him as he now gets ready to play at Marble Falls Middle School.

“It helped me at every position,” he said. “It made me more confident. It just helped me all around.”

CAPTION: Marble Falls seventh-grader Quincy Rodriguez (No. 68, front left) with his all-state teammates. Courtesy photo