The beginning of the 2023 football season brought several first for the Kennedy Rockets football team. The first game of the season, the first win of the season and the first time a student-athlete from Edgewood ISD won ‘Jon Wayne Player of the Week’ honors.
Rockets senior quarterback Estevan Portillo led the team to a 34-24 win over the Edison Bears. Portillo either ran or threw for each of the Rockets’ five touchdowns. He gives much of the credit to the offensive line and the wide receivers, but knows the team has lots to work on.
“I feel the whole team did well, but there are things we can fix, which is why we practice,” says Portillo. “It all starts at practice. Coach Hove stresses practicing like you’ll play.”
As the team focuses on the rest of football season, the excitement from winning Player of the Week motivates Portillo. He is hoping he can be the kind of leader that inspires others to hold their head high and work hard, on and off the field.
“Just keep pushing,” says Portillo. “Be humble, but don’t get cocky.”
Up next, the Rockets (1-1) travel to Bandera to take on the Bulldogs. Kick off is at 7 p.m.
See the POTW video by clicking HERE.