Jordan HammRodrigo Nieto has seen firsthand what the Salpointe Catholic football program is capable of.
He watched his older brother, Santiago, help the Lancers win a state title in 2013 and was one of the team’s top defensive backs as a sophomore last year.
Now, he is ready to hit the ground running.
“Last year, I had a lot more nerves because I didn’t really know what to expect,” Nieto said. “This year, I have a better idea what I’m going to come up against. I’ve been watching a lot of…film on everyone, and I think I’m ready, we’re ready, we are prepared this season.”
Rodrigo said Santiago, who now plays at Willamette University in Oregon, calls him before every game to go over what the junior needs to do to help his team get the victory.
“His brother won a state championship with us in 2013, and he was a tremendous football player for us,” Salpointe Catholic head football coach Dennis Bene said.
“(Santiago) can impart that knowledge on Rodrigo and share his experiences and what it takes to grind through a long season of tough opponents and ultimately holding it together during adversity and finding a way to win.”
Nieto and the Lancers won their Week 0 matchup against St. Mary’s, 20-12. Salpointe Catholic will try to take that momentum into their second game against Tucson Mountain View on August 26th.
