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By Michael Lazarus
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Jan. 9, 2008 |
Senior wingback Bismark Navarro’s accomplishments do not seem very impressive. On the other hand, they’re mind-boggling.
In Lowell’s grind-it-out offensive attack, it seems like anyone can succeed. Throw out one of the seemingly endless supply of wingbacks and let him walk behind his line for an easy four-yard gain. When the monotonous offensive juggernaut finally reaches the goal line, the coaches can handpick who gets the touchdown.
However, Navarro’s 30 touchdowns and 400 yards rushing are not just a product of being the coaches’ favorite.
What makes Navarro The Lowell’s pick for most valuable player is that he has been able to distinguish himself from the juggernaut. It’s Navarro emerging from a motionless pile right as the fans start to turn their attention back to their math books. It’s Navarro breaking tackles as the refs get ready to blow the play dead. It’s Navarro making defenders whiff as they start to smell a big hit. It’s Navarro sprinting into the end zone.
This relentless attitude combined with superior athletic ability makes Navarro not only a nightmare for defensive coordinators, but an inspiration for his team — a role he relishes.
“I just try to make sure my teammates are never satisfied,” he said. “It’s never over.”
Unfortunately for Navarro, his high school football career is over. Yet his mark on Lowell football will be seen for many years. Navarro’s seven touchdowns against Galileo this season is a AAA record unlikely to be broken soon. More importantly, his highly publicized competition with Lincoln running back David Henderson brought attention and respect to a struggling and beleaguered AAA. Although most critics named Henderson the champion, the differences between the two teams makes comparisons nearly impossible.
“Lincoln’s offense is designed for big plays,” Navarro said. “Ours is designed for small plays; we’re not meant to bust big runs.”
Yet, Navarro found a way to, and that’s why colleges are heavily recruiting him. University of Nevada-Las Vegas, a Division I school, is on the top of his list.
“They’ve expressed the most interest in me,” he explained.
No matter where he ends up, Navarro will always be a role model for not only football players, but all athletes.
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