BROWNSVILLE, Texas (ValleyCentral) — Rivera senior running back Jose Medellin loves to spend time with his teammates, whether it’s on the field or in the weight room.

“They’re like my brothers,” Medellin said. “Here in practice, we play together and stuff like that.”

Medellin gets to shine on game nights carrying the pigskin.

The senior ran for a career-high 272 yards in Rivera’s week one 27-14 win over La Joya.

He says he couldn’t put up impressive stats without a helpful contribution from his offensive line.

“Power, speed, mentality,” Medellin said. “They push me to be successful in class and on the field.”

A three-year starter, Medellin began his time on the varsity team as a linebacker.

It’s a role he can still fill if needed.

“When it’s third-and-long, he’ll play a bit of defense or a crucial fourth down situation,” said Rivera head football coach Beto Leal. “For the most part, we tell him, ‘Hey man, if we’re running the ball and you’re keeping the defense off the field, you don’t have to worry about defense. Just keep getting us those yards son.'”

Leal prefers to see Medellin running the ball, especially like he did against La Joya.

“He has a natural talent,” Leal said. “He has good vision. You know, like he told you earlier about our senior offensive line, we have a legit senior offensive line. The sky is the limit for him.”

The Raiders’ next game will be on Sept. 5 against Edinburg North.
