MidValleySports.Com

By George Hernandez

(Norwalk)- I sat down with Norwalk’s sophomore standout defensive lineman Marcus Castillo who had 50 tackles, 16 tackles for loss and five sacks. He helped the Lancers to a 10-1 season and a Mid Cities league title. Castillo is also a standout baseball player for the Lancers.

 Q: What’s up kid, how’s it going?

A: It’s been going well. I’ve been busy with baseball and family stuff. 

Q: You’re a top defensive lineman coming back next season as a junior. How do you plan to keep getting better?

A: To prepare for next season I plan on hitting the weight room hard and working on my speed and agility. I also am going to work on my hands for more moves.

Q: I know you’re a pretty good baseball player too. If you had to pick one to play for the next two years which would it be?

A: If I were to choose between baseball and football I would choose baseball. It’s the sport I grew up on and I’ve been playing since I was three. It has been the sport I have dreamt about going pro in the most.

Q: Who do you model your game after?

A: I try to model my game after my older brother Adrain who played at Norwalk and has taught me everything I know. He has really been my inspiration for this sport and he has helped me grow into the person I am today.

Q: How would your teammates and coaches describe you?

A: I feel like my coaches would describe me as a hardworking individual and a person that won’t give up when things get tough.

Q: What is your goal for the team and you personally this upcoming season?

A: The goal for the team this year is to win league and make a deep playoff run. My personal goals are to end the season with 10 sacks, win first team all-league, and defensive linemen of the year.

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

A: That nothing in life comes easy and you get what you put into it. You can’t expect to be the best if you don’t put the work in to be the best.

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

A: To handle the pressure of playing high stakes game I often try to take deep breaths, slow my breathing, and focus on one play at a time.

Q: You’re only going to be a junior but what are your plans with football after high school?

A: My plans for football after high school depends a lot on if I get an offer or not. If I were to get one for football only I would take it but other than that I don’t think it will go beyond high school.

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

A: I want to thank my family for always pushing me to be the best I can in anything I do. They have been my biggest supporters and I wouldn’t be playing the sports I love without them.