HOMECOMING: Perez ready to step up

By Adrianne Johnson,
Bluedevilhub.com Staff–

When senior Cole Morse tore his ACL two games ago, junior Ismael Perez had to take his place on the field. Perez, formerly a defensive player, now has to play both offense and defense for the football team.

“It’s much more challenging than before,” Perez said. “I don’t feel pressure though. I feel like if I do my job and run hard, our offense will be okay.”

Perez began football when he was just five years old, and has been playing year after year ever since.

“I love football because it builds character, and it doesn’t matter who you are. No matter how much you hate a person off the field, as soon as you’re on the field, you’re brothers. It builds a bond between you guys,” Perez said.

Concerning Friday’s Homecoming game , Perez’s coaches have simply advised him to “run hard.”

“They haven’t really given much advice because they know I do great,” Perez said. His only fear is getting caught from behind, or getting injured like his teammate Morse, who is expected to be out for six to nine months.

“Ish is a good running back,” Morse said. “I know he’ll step in and make some good plays.”

Looking past Homecoming, Perez harbors high hopes for his football career.

“I do see myself playing college football and that’s my main goal,” Perez said. With a wink, Perez added that he has not yet spoken to any scouts or college coaches, emphasizing “yet.”