Gordy, Reyes earn Athletes of the Week

Both the Graham volleyball and football teams had their homecoming games last Friday, Sept. 29. The football team dominated in a 54-13 win over Old High while the volleyball team took a tough loss to Mineral Wells. But volleyball came back with an easy win Tuesday, Oct. 3 over Brownwood.

For their performances in their respective games, Emilee Gordy of the Lady Blues volleyball team and Zathin Reyes of the Steers football team earned selections as The Graham Leader’s Athletes of the Week for the week of Thursday, Sept. 28 through Wednesday, Oct. 4.

Emilee Gordy, right-side hitter, volleyball

After a difficult non-district schedule to start the season, the Lady Blues have fully jumped into district play and have seen the results of the work they’ve put in. While the team split the last week with a 1-1 record, Gordy provided solid performances in each.

In the loss to Glen Rose, Gordy exhibited a steady confidence and helped her team out on both offense and defense. She finished the game with an even four kills and four blocks, showcasing the height and length she has at the net.

While the game didn’t go in Graham’s favor, Gordy proved what she can do against stiff competition.

As the Lady Blues traveled to Brownwood, Gordy didn’t skip a beat in the dominant win for the team. She one-upped her offensive total in the win over the Lady Lions as she finished with five kills, many of them powerful hits that the defense had no chance of returning. She also continued to excel on the defensive side as she contributed two blocks in the match.

Gordy is a junior and a three-year varsity volleyball player. She’s continued to improve each season and it’s reflected on the court each time she goes out. In the win over the Lady Lions, coaches tried some new rotations and Gordy showed out wherever she played.

“Against Brownwood, I moved Emi (Gordy) to the middle, a position she hasn't played this season, and she did a great job for us,” head coach Marci Faulk said. “She wasn't afraid to go in hard and swing aggressively. It's nice to have athletes like that who are versatile.”

Zathin Reyes, defensive back, football

It was a big week for the football team as they went into the homecoming festivities and accompanying game with an undefeated 5-0 record and an eighth-place ranking in Class 4A Division II in the state of Texas.
The Steers more than rose to the challenge as they defeated the Old High Coyotes 54-13, and Reyes played a big role on the defensive side of the ball in earning that win.
Reyes is a senior in his third year on the varsity squad and starts at one of the safety positions for the team. He regularly makes plays in the secondary of the Graham defense and has been an example for the younger players.
In Graham’s win over Old High, Reyes finished tied for third on the team in total tackles with eight, which included a tackle for loss. But perhaps one of his biggest contributions in the game came early in the second quarter.
While Graham held a 3-0 lead, the offense hadn’t been able to get much going at that point in the game. The defense played just as well and held the Coyotes scoreless in the first quarter.
As the Coyotes began an offensive drive, their quarterback dropped back to pass and heaved a ball to a receiver over the middle. The receiver didn’t get a good look at it but Reyes had the ball in his sights the whole time, intercepted it and then ran it back 34 yards for his and the team’s first touchdown of the game.
On the season, Reyes is now tied for the team lead in interceptions with two and he also leads the defense in average tackles per game with 8.2. As the Steers progress into district play, Reyes will be called upon to continue to be an anchor for the defense and team.