INLAND FIELDHOUSE

PHOTO by MILKA SOKO

Take a closer look at Riverside Norte Vista senior LB Oscar Godoy and you’ll see the Braves’ quiet leader.

Godoy roams the middle of Norte Vista’s defense and is usually on top the play in the crucial moment for the Braves (3-0 overall), who are allowing just 6.3 points per game this season.

The 5-foot-10, 190-pound linebacker is fast to the ball and a terrific all-field tackler. Big enough to bully a soft tight end and quick enough the squeeze through the gaps, Godoy is an underrated part of Norte Vista’s team this season.

We caught up with Godoy after Norte Vista’s 17-6 victory over Moreno Valley in Week 2 on Friday, Sept. 6. Godoy had eight solo tackles (14 total) and his sack for a safety in the second quarter got the Braves on the scoreboard.

InlandFieldhouse.com: Defense played a big role in this game. How did you guys find a way to win?
Oscar Godoy: “We just focused up on the big picture, and that was winning this game. Our mindset was to take every play one at a time, and at the end of the day we took that ‘W’.”

IF: After a shutout last week and only allowing a six point this week, is the Norte Vista defense going to start making a name for itself?
OG: “Yeah, it’s all that hard work. All credit to Coach Tapia, Coach Martinez, all the defensive coaching staff. It’s thanks to them. Without them we would be where we are.”

IF: What did you see on the play for the safety?
OG: “We seen that they were kind of freaking out. (Moreno Valley)’s linemen were king of freaking out and well, the defense we called – we blitzed – and we got that safety.”

IF: As a linebacker, how do you handle multiple offensive looks like you got from Moreno Valley?
OG: “We practice a bit and we just adjusted to their formations and played Norte Vista football.”

IF: What’s it going to take to achieve what you want to achieve this season?
OG: “Hard work and dedication, and playing each game one at a time.”

IF: How long before you start to look ahead to the next opponent?
OG: “We celebrate this win for 24 hours (and) tomorrow we focus on Temecula Valley.”

IF: Do you think about playing football after this season?
OG: “Hopefully I’m blessed to play a couple more years.”