Roybal provides spark for St. Michael’s offense
but he leads the team with 21 solo tackles.
Fernandez credits that to the improved strength Roybal developed through the offseason weight program.
Last season, Roybal was not as aggressive at meeting ball carriers, and much of that was because the 5-foot-6, 133-pounder didn’t measure up physically as well as he does this season.
“Last year, he was somebody that was a little hesitant to make the tackle,” Fernandez said. “Now, with the added weight, he likes coming up and making the tackle. And he has broken up a lot of plays. He’s a great cover guy.”
Roybal’s work in the weight room also showed up in his legs. Fernandez noticed an increase in speed toward the end of the track and field season.
“We knew coming in he would be a weapon,” Fernandez said. “We didn’t realize how big of a weapon.”
Roybal showed it in the season opener against Santa Fe High, scoring on a 15-yard touchdown pass in a 48-0 win. He made his biggest contribution in the passing game, collecting 15 passes from Antonio Gabaldon on the year for 375 yards and four touchdowns.
The latter half of the season saw Roybal running the ball more, especially as Derek Roybal missed most of the district season with an injury.
He ran for 50 yards on five carries as well as collecting a 36-yard catch in a 28-14 win over West Las Vegas in the season finale.
“It’s been really different as the season goes along,” Roybal said.
“Last year was my first year playing football [ in a while], so I didn’t know what I was doing. But as I showed what I could do, my teammates wanted to get me more involved in the game.
“As they saw that in me, the more the coaches pushed me in practice.”