Gustine ready to unleash ‘Tubby’ this year as Reds continue string of talented backs

Replacing stud running backs is becoming routine for the Gustine High football program.

The Reds had to do it in 2016 after Brandon LaBry graduated after racking up 2,199 yards and 24 touchdowns his senior year.

Oliver Perez took the baton and the next two years accumulated 3,138 yards and 23 touchdowns on the ground.

Now it’s Tubby’s turn. Tubby is the nickname of senior Brandon Garbez.

“We call him Tubby because his freshman year, he looked like he was wearing rib protectors, only they weren’t rib protectors,” said Gustine coach Ronnie LaBry.

Standing 5-foot-3 and weighing 155 pounds, the nickname now seems ironic for Garbez. The senior rushed for 778 yards and six touchdowns last season as a second option after Perez.

“We’ve been replacing runnning backs the last couple years,” Ronnie LaBry said. “It’s the next guy up. Brandon is the next guy. He’s not the biggest guys, but he’s tough. He’s ready to be the main guy.”

Garbez says playing behind Perez made him step up his game as he tried to compete for playing time. He also learned by watching Perez.

“I think I’ve been waiting for this since my freshman year,” Garbaz said. “I got to see (Perez) play and the different cuts he made, the way he made people miss. Being able to watch him made me pick up my game and pushed me because I wanted to start.”

The Reds’ success on the ground has helped the team post a 30-14 record in the last four years. Gustine hopes to use the same formula this season with Garbez and a big offensive line that will average about 260 pounds across the board.

“It starts at the JV level,” LaBry said. “The kids have to believe in what we do. So far, the kids have bought in from the JV level up. We don’t measure success at the JV level by wins and losses. We measure it by how much they get better throughout the year.”

The offensive line is led by senior guard Genaro Hernandez, who LaBry feels has the potential to be the top lineman in the Southern League.

The defense is led by middle linebacker Hector Esquivez who led the team with 88 tackles last season. The Reds have size up front and speed throughout their linebackers and defensive backs.

“We work hard and we work as a team,” Esquivez said. “We bring it every play. I think we’re physical. We’re big and fast.”

There’s definitely a confidence within the program after a string of recent success. The Reds believe they’re ready to continue their run of winning seasons.

“I just like that everybody works hard,” Garbez said. “If you look at our line. When we make a mistake, we’ll do the same play over and over until we get it right. I think our coaching is why we’ve been successful. If you look at our schemes and our running schemes, we work hard at it.”

This story was originally published August 15, 2018 at 7:30 PM.