Student Athlete of the Week: Moises Gonzalez Avina

In an ultimately difficult second showing for the Niwot High School varsity football team, do-it-all senior Moises Gonzalez Avina represented one of the Cougars' brightest spots on Friday, Sept. 6.

Avina played every snap of the game, including special teams, while staying positive throughout Niwot's 49-7 loss to Centaurus High School. His shining moment came on defense when he recorded an interception early in the second quarter.

"I was just watching the O-line (offensive line) - we were going through it the whole week," Avina said of his interception at Everly-Montgomery Field in Longmont. "I was just watching it, saw the ball, and went for it."

While Niwot's offense couldn't capitalize on the turnover, head coach Nik Blume appreciated Avina's effort with the Cougars already down three touchdowns to the visiting Warriors.

"It was a great play," Blume said. "It gave us some juice so we can try and go do some things."

Along with playing on Niwot's defensive line, Avina split time on the offensive line and at tight end, the latter being a new position for the third-year varsity standout. Admittedly exhausted, he still took great pride in contributing wherever needed.

"It's amazing," said Avina, who was used as a red-zone receiving weapon at tight end. "I've been wanting to catch the ball since sophomore year, and they got me the opportunity at tight end. I'm D-line, I've been crushing it. I never knew it was this fun. I just like to hit somebody, hit the QB."

Avina added that he was first given tight end reps during an offseason camp, and the versatile senior ensured the opportunity wasn't wasted.

"He stepped into a tight end role this year when we needed to find somebody," Blume said. "He has some great hands and did some great things this summer, so we gave it a shot. He's starting to pick it up. I'm excited about that."

Avina's role as a senior leader is equally as important. Things haven't been easy for Niwot so far this year, but Blume commended the veteran for leading by example each day.

"He's one of very few seniors again this year, and you get in a situation with so few seniors, it makes it tough," Blume said. "But he and Juan Mares show up every day. He's doing the best he can to keep carrying us."

Avina aims to finish his high school career strong with eight regular season games now remaining for Niwot. When asked about his personal goals, Avina said he hopes to "get a bunch of sacks, get a bunch of catches, get a touchdown, and lead my team."

Searching for their first win, Avina and the Cougars will host Skyview High School on Friday, Sept. 13 at the Niwot High School Art Stapp Athletic Complex for homecoming.