By PETE BANDA
Special to the NEWS
By the time they were six years old, Mariano Garcia and DeAnthony Mireless had developed a close-knit friendship centered around their athletic aptitude. As two of the most talented football players in their age group, the youngsters often found themselves competing for championships in whatever league they were in.
Fast forward a dozen years and the dynamic duo closed out their decorated high school athletic careers by signing their official letters of intent to continue their football careers at the next level.
Garcia, who will go down as one of the most prolific linebackers in school history, signed on to join the Hardin-Simmons University Cowboys in Abilene, Texas. Mireless wrapped up his second consecutive All-District season as a free safety and will continue his athletic career at Texas Lutheran University.
“It’s an honor to be able to continue playing football at the next level and to be able to share this moment with one of my closest friends is a blessing,” said Mireless. “We’ve talked about this moment for years so to actually be here right now is a surreal moment… Hopefully, future generations see this and set higher goals than we had.”
Garcia was named 32-6A defensive player of the year and All-State Honorable Mention after racking up 127 tackles, eight sacks and 26 tackles for loss. Mireless was the only back-to-back unanimous All-District section in 32-6A after an 85 tackles, three interceptions, and five pass deflections stat line.
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