As the legendary Vince Lombardi once said, “Football is a game of inches and inches make the champion.”
Last season the Weslaco Jaguars may not have been inches away from a championship, but the team was just one win shy from playing in the championship game as a 50-32 loss to the Rockport Her-ricanes ensured the team’s absence from the IWFA Super Bowl.
However, it is that loss that reminds players like the Jaguars’ defensive end/linebacker Marivel Moreno that every inch, foot and yard matter once the playoffs get started.
The Valley Morning Star had a chance to catch up with Moreno and ask her a few questions before the Jags’ postseason contest next week.
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Q: How and when did you first start playing football?
MARIVEL: For as long as can remember, I have always been a fan of sports. A friend of mine that I have known since high school played sports and she introduced me to girls tackle football, and ever since then (2012) I have been playing. I have proudly represented the RGV Cheetahs, the RGV Venoms and the Weslaco Jaguars during that time.
Q: You have been playing for the past five years, What has been your favorite moment?
MARIVEL: The best part of the past five years is that I have been able to grow as in individual. Not only did it help me grow in life, but it helped me create beautiful memories with my football sisters that started off as teammates and became my family that I love with all my heart.
Q: For you, what’s the toughest part about playing football?
MARIVEL: Football alone is already a challenge, but I think one of the toughest parts of the game is having to always expect the unexpected. No matter how intimidating the opponents look or how the weather may be, rain or shine, you always have to be ready physically and mentally.
Q: What is the best advice you would give to another woman thinking about joining a team?
MARIVEL: Life gives us so many beautiful opportunities that we don’t expect to see and my best advise is to never hesitate and just go for it! Live your life to the fullest and be the kind of woman that makes other women want to up their game. The sky is the limit.
Q: How has playing football changed your outlook toward the game?
MARIVEL: I have learned a lot from the game. Playing football is like going into battle. Once the helmet and football pads are on, your entire mindset changes. You prepare and you to focus 100 percent on all four quarters ahead. As coach always says, ‘Don’t stop ’till the whistle blows; win or loose, as long as you have played with all your heart you’re already a winner.’
Q: What sitcom would best represent your life?
MARIVEL: The sitcom that represents my life right now is “Parks and Recreation.” It is a super hilarious show, but I love how each individual show reminds me that I can be silly, funny, spontaneous, outgoing and always down for new projects. The show really reflects my personality because as long as I put my mind to it, I can reach my goals. But the projects in life aren’t always easy. I may struggle, feel alone, sad or tired, but I learned that through friends, family and loved ones, anything is possible.”
