MidValleySports.Com

Big George sat down with Sierra Vista two-way player Matthew Nazario.

By George Hernandez

[Baldwin Park] – I sat down with Sierra Vista tight end/ defensive end Matthew Nazario. Nazario was one of the few bright spots for the Dons last year. He had nearly 200 yards receiving and four touchdowns to go along with 35 tackles and four sacks. He’s looking to lead Sierra Vista to a turnaround 2026 season. 

Q: What’s up kid, how’s it going?

A: Hi coach. Thanks for giving me an opportunity to be a part of one of your interviews. Everything is going good. I’m just preparing for the upcoming season to show all of my talent to the SGV.

Q: What have you done this off season to get better?

A: I’ve done many things this offseason to get better. First joining track to help with my speed, pushing myself to the max in the weight room and overall prepping me and my body physically and mentally.

Q: What are some expectations you have for your team and yourself this upcoming season?

A: I have very big expectations for my team this year now that we have more experience as a team together. Some expectations for my team are to make a run in the playoffs this year and beat our rival Baldwin Park High School. I know those are very high expectations but I know me and my team can accomplish them. Some expectations I have for myself is to lead my league in touchdowns, tackles, sacks and interceptions and win a championship. 

Q: Who do you model your game after?

A: I would say I would model my game after Raiders tight end Brock Bowers because we have the same style of play. Not only do we both play tight end but we could also go on the outside and still make plays. Defensively I would model my game after Maxx Crosby from the Raiders. Why? Because he’s always hard working and pushing himself to the limit, injured or not, and I do the same.

Q: How would your teammates and coaches describe you?

A: I would say my teammates would describe me as a hard worker and leader and always pushing them to be the best. They would also describe me as funny. I’m always cracking jokes and making everyone laugh. I would say my coaches describe me as someone who has amazing field awareness and understands space across the field. Also, someone that knows play recognition and someone who puts themselves in a position to make plays.

Q: Every athlete has a routine. What does your game day look like from the moment you wake up until you step onto the field?

A: My game day routine would start the day before. After practice I go through recovery prepping my body to play over 100 snaps. I get an ice bath, leg compression, cupping and a massage and then I would go buy electrolytes and candy, specifically sour skittles. Then I shower and do homework and go to bed. The next day I wake up and it’s game day so I eat a light breakfast of yogurt and electrolytes. Then I get to school and go to all my classes. At the end of school I watch film and go over my notes I took in film and ask my coaches if they saw anything new. Then we would have team meal – shoutout to the team moms for having the best food always – and we would have a team prayer. Again I would watch film and sit by myself. After, we would have walk throughs on the field and get ready for the game. Finally it is 7:00pm game time and I go give it my best and come out with the win. After I go eat at In-N-Out to celebrate the win and that’s my game day.

Q: What is the biggest lesson you have learned from football so far? 

A: I would say my biggest lesson I learned in football is don’t take anything for granted. You have no idea when someone or something could be gone at any moment.

Q: How do you handle the pressure of playing in high-stakes games?

A: I would say I handle high-stakes game very well it makes me want the win even more. I also love feeling the pressure and I love to shine in high-stakes games to show what me and my team could really do.

Q: What game are you looking forward to the most?

A: The game I’m looking forward to the most is the rivalry against Baldwin Park. It’s my last year and we play at BP. It’s going to be intense and going to be a shootout and hopefully we bring back that bell with us and paint it red.

Q: Anything else you would like to say or want us to know?

A: First I would like to say is thank you to my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ for giving me so many opportunities in and out football. Next I would like to thank my mom. She is the reason I play football and why I always push myself and never give up. I have to accomplish my dream to make her proud. Next I would also like to say thank you to all my coaches on this journey from youth to now high school. Shoutout to Coach Mike, Coach Niko, Coach Bechtel, Coach Stew, Coach Ceniceros, Coach Ball, Coach Andy, Coach G, Coach Cua and especially Coach Jordan – long live Coach Jordan. Without these people I wouldn’t be the person I am today.