With the ball tucked securely in his arms, Keenan Sanchez raced toward the north end zone last week with the hopes of scoring his first touchdown.
After catching a short pass on a slant route, the Springdale High senior receiver knew he’d have a good chance to score after breaking through Rogers Heritage’s secondary with ease.
After running for about 45 yards, Sanchez was tackled from behind just short of the goal line, but not before giving the Red’Dogs a first down.
Springdale tied the game on the next play and later got the victory on a last-second field goal, which wouldn’t have been possible with Sanchez.
For most of the season, Sanchez hadn’t been a big threat in Springdale’s offense. But the last two weeks, he’s emerged as one of the team’s most reliable receivers, catching a combined six passes for 97 yards.
Sanchez said he would have enjoyed scoring a touchdown on his big catch, but was more excited that Springdale found a way to beat Heritage for its third straight victory.
“The team is much bigger than I’ll ever be, so just getting the victory was the only important thing,” said Sanchez, who’s caught 13 passes for 167 yards this season. “I’m just trying to do my part and come up with big plays when I can.”
Springdale coach Shane Patrick said he wishes all his players had the same kind of team-first mentality as Sanchez, who has what Patrick called the “ultimate team attitude.”
Patrick said he doesn’t get caught up in individual numbers. Sanchez is completely content with blocking down field and helping the Red’Dogs win games.
“He’s a total team player,” Patrick said. “He works hard and never says anything, he just listens to his coaches and tries to get better every day. I love kids like that because they understand what this team and this program is all about.”
Sanchez has come a long way since the beginning of the season when he experienced some frustration because he couldn’t catch certain passes.
But he stuck with it and made himself a better player by studying his routes and putting in the extra time in practice.
It’s something he hopes will continue as Springdale finishes the regular season with two more games, starting tonight against Bentonville.
“It’s really paid off for me,” said Sanchez, who’s enjoys being a role model and a positive influence for his three younger brothers. “I’ve had the opportunity to make a few big plays and I know (quarterback Joseph Calcagni) trusts me when he throws me the ball.”
Today’s Ticket
Bentonville at Springdale High
KICKOFF: 7:30 p.m.
WHERE: Jarrell Williams Bulldog Stadium, Springdale
ON THE AIR: KURM-FM 100.3 (Bentonville); KAMO-FM 94.3 (Springdale)
RECORDS: Bentonville Tigers, 8-0, 5-0 7A-West Conference; Springdale High Bulldogs, 5-3, 3-2.
HOOTEN’S RANKING: Bentonville is No. 1 in Class 7A; Springdale High is No. 9.
HOOTEN’S LINE: Bentonville by 7