BY GUADALUPE GONZALEZ
Incoming Husky and Montebello High School quarterback Gabriel Tapia played his last high school football game on Friday against Schurr High School in Montebello.
After ending his high school football career with a win,Tapia will be join the Huskies this upcoming 2018-2019 football season.“Gabriel is going to bring great leadership, a lot of great work ethic to the school, and is someone to lead by example,” Montebello High School quarterback coach Peter Gonzalez said.
Gabriel Tapia said he is excited for the upcoming season and hopes to help the Huskies be 2018-2019 Conference Champions. “The Huskies already have a great program I feel like I would fit perfect for that program, I love how their offense is , I love the style so I feel like I would be a great fit for them,” Tapia said
With a total of 29 touchdown passes, passing touchdowns, 18 rushing touchdowns, and 124.5 yard average per game, Gabriel Tapia ended his high school career being named Offensive Player of the Year, Most Valuable Player for Montebello, and San Gabriel Valley All- Area quarterback.
He was selected to participate in the North vs. South Hall of Fame Game after recovering from a career threatening injury during the Oilers first-round California Interscholastic Federation Southern Section playoff game against Pasadena Poly.
Tapia suffered a torn Medial Collateral Ligament injury to his right knee during the first quarter after getting tackled by a Pasadena Poly defender. He thought he would never be able to step foot on a football field again. His therapy process took five months, “ they were the worst months of my life because it was just so painful trying to strengthen my knee but thank God I did it and it was all worth it.” Tapia said.
Tapia started his comeback with a seven yard run in the first quarter, “ I was debating if I should wear my brace or not, I decided not to wear it and it felt pretty good.” Gabriel Tapia said after his 20-14 overtime win against the North.
Tapia says that next year the Huskies should expect someone who is hard working, dedicated and willing to break their neck for the team.
“Playing college football has always been a dream of mine. Doesn’t matter at what level, I have always wanted to play college football and eventually advance to the next level,” Tapia said. Tapia hopes that when his Huskies days come to an end he is fortunate to be recruited by the University Of California Los Angeles and be a future Bruin.
