Venegas, Ramirez Lead a Flatonia Football Team Hoping to Knock off the Defending State Champs

Flatonia football players Fidel Venegas and Reese Ramirez have been the anchors for a rolling Flatonia football team that’s made a nice run in the postseason as they prepare to face defending state champ Shiner this week in the third round.

Venegas has accumulated 2,580 passing yards and 25 touchdowns for the season to go along with 935 rushing yards and 18 touchdowns. While Venegas handles the offense, Ramirez takes care of the defense with a team-high 152 tackles, 17 tackles for loss, and also added two interceptions in last Friday’s win vs. Three Rivers.

“Guys have been really solid,” said Flatonia head football coach Chris Fretyag. “Unbelievable years. They improved so much from their junior to senior year through hard work, dedication, and studying the game. People don’t give that part enough credit, but they’ve studied the game to get better and they are really, really good players and both have played at all state-levels. Consistent and superior production from Venegas and Ramirez have made them both our selection for this edition’s Athlete of the Week.

Question: What’s made you have such great individual success this year?

Fidel: “Just trusting my teammates and working hard in practice.”

Reese: “Reading keys during practice and focusing. Watching film.”

Question:What would you say are the keys to beating Shiner?

Fidel: “Playing together, working as a team, and executing the coach’s game plan.”

Reese: “Stopping the run game, for sure. Let the offense do their thing and just stop their offense.”

Question: Who’s a musician you listen to before a game?

Fidel: “NBAYoungboy” Reese: “NBAYoungboy”

Question: Which NFL player do you model your game after?

Fidel: “Mark Jackson” Reese: “Micah Parsons”

Question: What’s your favorite Thanksgiving dish?

Reese: “Turkey and dressing.”

Fidel: “I’d say the same thing.”

Question: What are your traditions for Thanksgiving?

Fidel: “Just hanging with

family.” Reese: “Just being with family and enjoying Thanksgiving break.”

Question: Which football team, college or pro, reminds you the most of your team?

Fidel: “Oregon” Reese: “The Cowboys because Willie gives us some good scout team looks.”

Question: Who do you have winning the college football playoff and why?

Fidel: “I’ll take Ohio State. They got good offense.” Reese: “Same. I got Ohio State. They’re physical.”

Question: Where’s a place

that you spent the most time in your childhood?

Fidel: “I just went outside and played.” Reese: “Just being active. That’s what I did a lot.”

Question: How would you describe this special season for Flatonia?

Fidel: “It’s been a good season. We’re going for a long ride and enjoying every moment.”

Reese: “The chemistry of this team is pretty good. We get along together and we execute together.”

Venegas and Ramirez are must-have players for Bulldogs football and will continue to be vital throughout this playoff run.