ELKINS -- Chito Gonzalez is the type of high school football player who typically goes about his business.
As a sophomore at Elkins, that business meant playing a big role in the secondary as the Elks advanced to the Class 3A playoffs. And this year, Gonzalez has seen his role increase, being asked to continue as a defensive leader while also add on a role as a key wide receiver.
Elkins at Melbourne
Bearkatz Stadium
• Kickoff: 7 p.m.
• Records: Elkins Elks, 4-6, 4-3 3A-1 Conference; Melbourne Bearkatz, 8-2, 5-2 3A-3 Conference
• On The Air: None.
• Between The Lines: Elkins makes its second consecutive playoff appearance under coach Thurman Shaw. … Melbourne played as a member of the 3A-1 Conference in the 2012 and 2013 seasons. … The Elks defeated Melbourne in both meetings during conference play in 2012 and 2013, winning 34-20 in 2012 and 22-21 in 2013. … Elkins seeks its first playoff win since 2006.
• Players To Watch: Elkins — RB/CB Travis England (Sr., 6-1, 170), QB Eric Stills (So., 5-11, 215), FB/LB Kelton Center (Sr., 5-9, 210), RB/DB Colton Vaught (So., 5-7, 150). Malbourne — RB Dalton Romero (Sr., 5-9, 170), OL/DL Lee Richardson (Sr., 6-1, 240), WR/DB Kyle Lebouef (Jr., 5-10, 160).
• Hooten’s Rankings: Elkins is No. 28 in Class 3A. Melbourne is No. 16.
• Hooten’s Line: Melbourne by 2.
• Our Take: Melbourne 27, Elkins 26.
— Vernon Tarver • @NWAVernon
Every step of the way, Gonzalez has kept his head down and done his job. And so far, he's done it very well.
"Chito is a real quiet kid," Elkins coach Thurman Shaw said. "He's one of those guys where you don't even know he's in the lockerroom because he doesn't say much.
"But he works really hard, he's a great student and he comes from a great family."
Gonzalez is a cornerback by trade and has racked up 29 tackles, three tackles for loss, a forced fumble, three fumble recoveries and one interception this season. His biggest defensive day perhaps came last Friday as Elkins clinched the No. 3 seed from the 3A-1 West Conference with a 44-26 win at Green Forest. Gonzalez had six tackles, one forced fumble and one fumble recovery in the victory.
"It gets you pumped up when you're able to make those plays," Gonzalez said. "When you have a fumble recovery, it helps to keep you fired up."
Gonzalez, a 5-foot-7, 140-pound junior, has also helped on offense with six receptions for 83 yards and a touchdown. And while defense is his first love, he's more than willing to switch to the other side of the ball when needed.
"I'll do whatever they ask, whatever the coaches want," Gonzalez said. "I just want to help the team win."
Gonzalez will definitely be needed tonight when Elkins (4-6) visit Melbourne (8-2) in the first round of the Class 3A playoffs. The Elks are in search of their first postseason win since 2006, but Gonzalez is confident.
Elkins played Melbourne the last two years when the Bearkatz were a member of the 3A-1 Conference. Elkins won both games.
"We played them the last two years and we beat them twice," Gonzalez said. "So that helps us a lot.
"But we're not getting overconfident. We still know we have to go win the game."
Sports on 11/14/2014