Nice article on Morrisville senior Anthony Reyes. Good luck Bulldogs!!!
From the BCCT:
A long road to football
By: TOM WARING
Bucks County Courier Times
Morrisville's Anthony Reyes didn't come to the United States until 2005 and didn't play football until 2006. He's learned fast, and is a big reason the Bulldogs are 3-0 for the first time since 1990.
Anthony Reyes is a standout two-way lineman for the Morrisville Bulldogs, but he didn't exactly grow up in a football hotbed.
Reyes, a senior right tackle/nose guard, lived in the Dominican Republic until he was 13 years old.
"Everybody plays baseball," he said of his native land. "Nobody plays football."
Ramon and Magaly Reyes brought their two sons, Alberto and Anthony, to the United States in 2005. The family settled in Brooklyn for a year, but then moved to Morrisville.
Anthony Reyes enrolled at Morrisville and, despite having good size for a freshman, didn't even consider joining the football team. He didn't understand much about the sport.
"The only thing I knew was that one team had to score a touchdown," he said.
Morrisville football coach Jim Gober noticed Reyes in his freshman U.S. history class and successfully recruited the youngster to join the football program for his sophomore year.
"He saw that I was big," Reyes recalled. "I didn't speak much English. I joined the team to make friendships."
The football novice made strides and eventually broke into the starting lineup as a nose guard his junior year.
"I got used to it and improved. We have great coaches who told me everything they know," he said.
This year, Reyes is starting on offense and, at 5-foot-9 and 250 pounds, is an effective nose guard.
"He's a nice player," Gober said. "He's very smart. On defense, he stays low and is quick."
Reyes enjoys playing on the offensive line, but really likes lining up at nose guard.
"I prefer defense," he said. "You have to stop the run and the pass and try to get in the backfield, tackle the guy and make the play."
Gober identified Reyes as one of the reasons Morrisville is 3-0 for the first time since 1990.
The coach also explained how he has developed off the field from a youngster new to the school district and struggling with the language to a popular 17-year-old who also plays third base and is a designated hitter on the baseball team.
"Everybody likes the kid," he said. "He's a happy-go-lucky guy. He always has a smile on his face."
Big No. 63 isn't the only reason the Bulldogs are undefeated. Gober, who is in his seventh season as coach, describes the offensive line as "probably the best line I've ever had at Morrisville."
Reyes is joined up front by center Pat Syron, left tackle Zach Markgraf, right guard Kyle Kinslow and left guard Chris Geffrard.
That quintet protects quarterback Matt Cookson and clears holes for the "thunder and lightning" tandem of power runner Ruben Bresnen and the shifty, elusive Mike Jones. Julian Walker and Eugene Figueroa are the top wide receivers, while Matt Beyer catches some balls and blocks well.
Gober said the Bulldogs, 2-9 last season, have not been seriously tested on defense in three blowout victories - two of them shutouts - over non-league opponents.
The Dawgs are gaining confidence and learning how to win, according to the coach, who adds that he believes the team is more talented than in previous years.
"You need the horses to do what we want to do," he said. "But, we still haven't done anything. The big test is (tonight)."
Defending Bicentennial Athletic League champion Lower Moreland comes to Robert Morris Field tonight. The Lions put a 33-6 hurting on the Bulldogs last season.
"Hopefully, we will win. Last year, we couldn't do it," Reyes said.
Reyes and the Bulldogs have designs on a big season. There's a BAL championship to win, the annual Thanksgiving showdown with Bristol and a possible trip to the playoffs.
In the early going, Morrisville has outscored Nueva Esperanza, Princeton Day School and Henry C. Conrad Schools of Science by a combined 119-7.
"So far, so good. I hope we keep it up," Reyes said. "We've got a great quarterback and good wide receivers and running backs. The offensive line has been doing good. We're strong, and it's one of the best lines Morrisville has had in years. We can beat anyone right now. If our starters don't get hurt, I think we can go to the playoffs."
