AOTW: Daniel Minjarez

Age 17 | School Imperial | Grade Senior

Programmer’s note: Anybody wishing for an auditory approximation of the first two games of Daniel Minjarez’s 2018-19 campaign is hereby advised to consult the finale of Tchaikovsky’s “1812 Overture,” which has similar “shotout-of-a-cannon” sensibilities.

That’s because Minjarez — who plays forward for the Imperial High soccer team — is on such a monstrous roll that drums can’t do it justice.

True he’s only played two games so far, but in those two games he’s found the back of the net a whopping six times — three times in a 7-1 win over Calipatria on Nov. 13 and three times in a 5-1 win over Vincent Memorial two days later.

His two hat tricks already equal the total from his junior season when he was first-team All-Imperial Valley League and finished second in scoring with 18 goals.

Minjarez makes no secret of feeling transported out on the pitch, describing how the outside world falls away when he’s out on the grass.

“The game is my passion. I love it,” he says.

With regard to his scorching run of play, Minjarez is humble.

“Individually, I did good,” he said, “but I wouldn’t have done it without my team. We win as a team, and we lose as a team, so I give a lot of credit to [them]. … For every goal, there’s a pass.”

For all his individual verve, his ambitions all tilt toward the team. He’s eager to build up the Tigers’ 2-0 record, noting the need for constant intensity regardless of opponent.

“It’s a really good start,” he said. “They weren’t the strongest teams, but we should play every game like it’s a final.”

The Tigers have their work cut out for them next game as they head east Tuesday to face perennial powerhouse Yuma Catholic.