Le Grand star lineman receives statewide honor after blocking three kicks in game
Fermin Villegas’ Le Grand High football practice jersey really doesn’t fit. It barely covers up the bottom of his shoulder pads.
It’s not the first football jersey that hasn’t fit Villegas. When he made an all-star team when he was 13 years old they had to expand his jersey by cutting the sides and adding more fabric.
“Villegas has always been the big guy you can see from across the field,” said Le Grand coach Aaron Martinez. “Ever since youth football he’s been like that.”
The 6-foot-2, 315-pound Villegas used his size to help the Bulldogs defeat Orestimba 14-12 last week. It was the first time Le Grand had beaten the Warriors since 2014. Orestimba had dominated the last six games in the rivalry, outscoring the Bulldogs 232 to 66.
Those who watched the Bulldogs win last week will never forget Villegas’ performance.
The Le Grand junior blocked an extra point and two field goals, including Orestimba’s potential game-winning 30-yard field goal in the final minute.
“I’ve never seen someone impact a game like that,” Martinez said. “He did a terrific job of making himself really big. If you watch the film that ball was not getting past him. He also stuffed the two-point conversion attempt earlier in the fourth quarter. We put that ‘W’ on the shoulders of Villegas.”
Villegas didn’t just use his size to make those key plays late in the game. He also used his football IQ.
On the two-point conversion, he noticed the Orestimba offensive lineman was leaning forward a little bit too much.
“I knew I could use a swim move to get past him,” Villegas said. “I’m always trying to read the lineman. I’m an offensive lineman too so I learn from myself.”
On the final field goal attempt, Villegas noticed that the holder was setting up closer to the line of scrimmage than normal.
“I felt with a quick move or a bull rush I could get it,” Villegas said.
Villegas blocked three kicks and came up with the big defensive stop on the two-point conversion to preserve the two-point victory. Every player imagines making the game-winning play. Villegas lived it.
“After I blocked it, I was like ‘damn,” Villegas said. “Just hearing the crowd, that was cool too.”
Villegas received statewide attention for his performance. CalHiSports selected him as the NorCal Special Teams Player of the Week.
The win over Orestimba sets up an even bigger game this week for Le Grand (2-2 overall, 1-0 Southern League) at undefeated Waterford (4-0, 1-0 SL).
“As we keep going, I told our kids don’t be afraid of the pressure and expectations that come with winning,” Martinez.
You can expect big-time performances from Villegas. The Bulldogs count on him to pave the way for their running game.
“Obviously he sits on our right side,” Martinez said. “When it’s third and short, or fourth and short, if you watch our film, it’s not a secret where we’re going. He’s our best option.
“He’s always understood leverage and he understands our plays inside and out,” Martinez added. “I can’t take credit for great coaching. He understands everything better than most players.”
Villegas likes the challenge of beating the guy in front of him. He knows how vital he is to his team’s success.
“I just see it as a street fight,” Villegas said. “I can’t let the guy in front of me beat me. I’m going to give it everything I’ve got.”
Friday’s Games
Merced at Patterson
Pitman at Golden Valley
Central Valley at Buhach Colony
Atwater at El Capitan
Hilmar at Ripon
Hughson at Livingston
Grace Davis at Los Banos
Pacheco at Lathrop
Le Grand at Waterford
Mariposa at Delhi
Denair at Gustine
Summerville at Stone Ridge Christian
McLane at Dos Palos
Roosevelt at Chowchilla
