San Benito Greyhound quarterback Jesse Jimenez, 17, is pictured at Bobby Morrow Stadium Monday during his varsity football practice. (Staff photo by Michael Rodriguez)
By MICHAEL RODRIGUEZ
Managing Editor
editor@sbnewspaper.com
As the starting quarterback for the San Benito Greyhounds, Jesse Jimenez knows a thing or two about pressure. After all, criticism levied at the 17-year-old playcaller this season has thus far ranged from burdensome to downright intolerable.
For instance, a Facebook page was reportedly created to mock Jesse, and some have gone as far as to place the blame for a disappointing football season squarely on his teenage shoulders. None of which, however, is who Jesse really is.
Perhaps it’s how he responds to such disparagement – with a sense of maturity that those who seek to denigrate the San Benito High School senior often lacks – that will define him this football season, at least more so than any statistic will.
Take, for instance, his immediate response to this writer’s question about handling the criticism he’s fielded this year. “I want to major in kinesiology to become a football coach, and criticism is a part of coaching,” Jesse said during football practice on Monday. “So if I’m going to be doing this for the rest of my life, I can’t let criticism get to me.”
Considering as much, Jesse looks to Head Coach Spencer Gantt for guidance in his endeavors. “He’s a really good motivator and talks to his kids like we’re young men,” Jesse said of Gantt. “I’m taking tips from Coach Gantt and other coaches here; just soaking in everyone’s style and putting it all together to make my own style of coaching.”
In this his first year starting for the Greyhounds, the senior QB has soaked in much. Stepping in for 2011 standout Jacob Puente, Jesse has become a leader who has earned the respect of his team and coaching staff. Specifically, he’s rushed for three touchdowns, not to mention an important 50-yarder against the Harlingen Cardinals that helped set up a 5-yard Arturo Coronado score – the only TD of the night and the game winner for the ’Hounds.
That was an important game for Jesse, whose emotional embrace with center Jason Farias – as pictured on the front page of the September 9 edition of the San Benito News – has served as a much-referenced source of inspiration for Greyhound fans.
Still, there’s more to this teen than just football.
“As an A and B student, I try to do the best I can in the classroom and qualify for scholarships,” Jesse said, adding that it doesn’t hurt to have supportive family and friends. “My family is the biggest support system I have. All the bad things that go down during games…my family and my teammates always pick me up. It’s great to know they’re behind me 100 percent.”
Meanwhile, as far as those pesky critics are concerned, Jesse said he’s turned to a higher power to help him manage. He concluded, “With all the criticism that I’ve gotten, I’ve turned to God as of late. A lot of good has come out of it. You can never go wrong with the Lord.”
Read this story in the Oct. 24 edition of the San Benito News, or subscribe to our E-Edition by clicking here.
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actually he is doing a really good job even though i was suppose to be varsity starter…..hes a good back up for me until i return
All this hoop-la for what?! Granted the Bears aren’t one of the better teams in the district, but good to see a change behind center. Jesse was pulled out during the Cardinal game, and other games for a reason. Bless him for having a great personality and faith, but football is football. Suck it up, compose yourself. Poise, enthusiasm, energy, ability, and most importantly endurance are requirements when it comes to playing football. You gotta take the positive with the negative. Endure the positive and negative that come with it. He isn’t the first person to go through such scrutiny. He won’t be the last. He is however the first person I’ve known of lately to have an article written for him that basically pats him on the back and pretty much says “its ok mijo good job keep it up hang in there.” There’s a reason why only a few play varsity football. There is a major difference between middle school football to freshman football to varsity football. I give Jesse credit for going from not being the strong team starting middle school qb to starting for the varsity football qb. That alone deserves praise. But hey every quarterback before him didnt get an article in the paper before him. If they do they do. If they dont the dont. He shouldnt be expected. It comes with the territory. Kinda weird that this article was even made. There was also one made prior to this one. I hope whoever wrote this article takes the time to make one for every other varsity football player on the team this year for the ‘Hounds. They deserve it just as much as Jesse does. Anything less would be a shame.
Sorry for misspelled word (soellcheck), meant to type perseverance. Thxs
Great article Micharel. Thank U 4 taking the time, & invaluable space in ur newspaper, to support this young athlete, & student. Jesse, it’s most obvious u have your head screwed on right, & your scholastic achievements, & maturity level, are most impressive. Critics & naysayers will always be there, regardless of what role one takes in life. Your faith & preserveance will see you through sir, may God Bless You!!!
Gantt sends in the plays using hand signals. It is the coach who should take the heat. His call on the one yard line, instead of calling for a QB sneak, which would have taken the ball out of the endzone, cost the game. McAllen coach figured out what Gantt would call and outcoached him.
LOL!! Jesus!!
Take it easy, Jesus. The term “play caller” is just another name for the QB, who “calls the plays,” AFTER he receives them from the coach. Do some research every once in a while.
No excuses please. Hounds blew this year whoever is making calls. People also can criticize and express their opinions. Don’t get mad at people just because they express their opinions, even if you have family playing.
if he is calling the plays we dont need you coach we pay you for what ??? for doinf nothing