This Bandera Bulldog news & photos are brought to you by:
|
|
|
Download & Print
Photos by Nicole Flowers
October 21, 2024
Spruell selected to play in SA All-Star Football Game
By Brady Keane
The Bandera Prophet
Senior defensive lineman Gavin Spruell, a team captain and leader on the Bandera offensive and defensive line, has been selected to play in the San Antonio Sports All-Star Football Game, which will take place on Jan. 15, 2025, at the Alamodome.
Spruell's efforts this season, which include 44 tackles, 11 tackles for loss and 3 sacks on defense, earned him a spot on Team White in a showcase of the area’s top high school football talent.
“For me to be selected for the SA All-Star Game, it means that all my hard work and determination has paid off and hasn’t gone unnoticed,” Spruell said. “I feel like it is a big honor to represent and put Bandera on the map like the guys before me and show all of San Antonio that Bandera isn’t just a small 4A.”
Spruell’s selection reflects his consistent impact on the field on both sides of the ball, as the senior has helped the Bulldogs to a 5-2 start this season, including a 1-0 mark in district play.
“Gavin has earned everything he has gotten,” Bandera Head Football Coach Joel Fontenot-Amedee said. “He has been one of the most dedicated members of the athletic program we’ve had in my six years here. I can honestly say that I can’t think of anyone who works harder than Gavin. He’s done all the right things and it shows. You combine that with a 6-foot-4 frame and you get a pretty special football player. We are so proud to have him represent us as a captain of our football team.”
Spruell’s value in the trenches has been on full display for each of the past three years. Last season, he recorded 56 tackles, 13.5 tackles for loss and 4 sacks as Bandera claimed its first district championship in nearly 15 years and advanced to the second round of the playoffs.
His development on both the offensive and defensive line has been a key part of the Bulldogs' success.
“A big key to my success throughout my high school career and this season has been my grind in the offseason day in and day out,” Spruell said. “I know it will lead to something great if I just keep driving myself, but also my teammates and family who have provided me with all the support in every shape and form.”
Spruell will be coached in the All-Star Game by Nick Rogers, the head coach at Pieper High School, who led the Warriors to a state quarterfinal appearance in 2023.
“Gavin has been a huge part of our offensive success over the last two years. He was the person we ran behind last year, a dominant pass protector this year, and defensively, he’s done nothing but gotten better every day and dominated every game,” Fontenot-Amedee said. “He’s very hard to block and is truly a technician. I hope he has a special end to his high school career when he gets to compete in the All-Star Game. It’s so well-deserved, and I am confident he will be a great representation of our football program and community in San Antonio.”
As Spruell prepares for the All-Star Game, he remains focused on finishing the season strong and leading his team to more success.
“To prepare for the All-Star Game as an individual is a big task, especially during the season,” he said. “But like a quote I have always heard, ‘Going to practice is the most minimal thing you can do. Everyone goes to practice. Champions are great because of what they do outside of practice.’ That’s something I am willing to do, and it doesn’t just push me to be a champion, but pushes my team to be the reigning district champions this season.”
Spruell's efforts this season, which include 44 tackles, 11 tackles for loss and 3 sacks on defense, earned him a spot on Team White in a showcase of the area’s top high school football talent.
“For me to be selected for the SA All-Star Game, it means that all my hard work and determination has paid off and hasn’t gone unnoticed,” Spruell said. “I feel like it is a big honor to represent and put Bandera on the map like the guys before me and show all of San Antonio that Bandera isn’t just a small 4A.”
Spruell’s selection reflects his consistent impact on the field on both sides of the ball, as the senior has helped the Bulldogs to a 5-2 start this season, including a 1-0 mark in district play.
“Gavin has earned everything he has gotten,” Bandera Head Football Coach Joel Fontenot-Amedee said. “He has been one of the most dedicated members of the athletic program we’ve had in my six years here. I can honestly say that I can’t think of anyone who works harder than Gavin. He’s done all the right things and it shows. You combine that with a 6-foot-4 frame and you get a pretty special football player. We are so proud to have him represent us as a captain of our football team.”
Spruell’s value in the trenches has been on full display for each of the past three years. Last season, he recorded 56 tackles, 13.5 tackles for loss and 4 sacks as Bandera claimed its first district championship in nearly 15 years and advanced to the second round of the playoffs.
His development on both the offensive and defensive line has been a key part of the Bulldogs' success.
“A big key to my success throughout my high school career and this season has been my grind in the offseason day in and day out,” Spruell said. “I know it will lead to something great if I just keep driving myself, but also my teammates and family who have provided me with all the support in every shape and form.”
Spruell will be coached in the All-Star Game by Nick Rogers, the head coach at Pieper High School, who led the Warriors to a state quarterfinal appearance in 2023.
“Gavin has been a huge part of our offensive success over the last two years. He was the person we ran behind last year, a dominant pass protector this year, and defensively, he’s done nothing but gotten better every day and dominated every game,” Fontenot-Amedee said. “He’s very hard to block and is truly a technician. I hope he has a special end to his high school career when he gets to compete in the All-Star Game. It’s so well-deserved, and I am confident he will be a great representation of our football program and community in San Antonio.”
As Spruell prepares for the All-Star Game, he remains focused on finishing the season strong and leading his team to more success.
“To prepare for the All-Star Game as an individual is a big task, especially during the season,” he said. “But like a quote I have always heard, ‘Going to practice is the most minimal thing you can do. Everyone goes to practice. Champions are great because of what they do outside of practice.’ That’s something I am willing to do, and it doesn’t just push me to be a champion, but pushes my team to be the reigning district champions this season.”