Patrick Snyder is an ASU Walter Cronkite School of Journalism student assigned to cover Marcos de Niza High School for AZPreps365.com

TEMPE — Marcos de Niza senior, Alejandro Gomez is a standout player and inspiration to his teammates. 

Helping lead Marcos’ football team to a 4A Black Canyon region championship and 4A conference playoff berth, Gomez does this through honoring his mother, hard work, and leading by example.

Wearing 19 on his jersey, but on his helmet, Gomez wears number 192. 

During Gomez’s junior year he wore number 19, before his senior year his mom asked him to change his jersey to number two.

Already having an established number was hard to change for Gomez, he had history with it, wearing it before his senior year. Anybody watching his future accomplishments, would be looking out for 19 and not two. 

Gomez compromised by adding the number two to his helmet, making his helmet number, 192. 

“It’s the number she was as an athlete in high school,” Gomez stated. “It’s me honoring her.”

Marcos finished their regular season 9-1, including a 5-0 region sweep, all while Gomez dominated both sides of the ball as wide receiver and safety.

Gomez led Marcos in receiving touchdowns (15) during the regular season, thanks to his breakaway speed, including a season-long receiving touchdown of 62 yards against region opponent Moon Valley. 

With two interceptions and a receiving touchdown in Marcos’ final regular season game against rival Tempe, Gomez made a statement as one of Marcos’ best players this year. 

“It feels really great, this being my senior season, really leaving a mark on this school,” Gomez said, “it’s really good making a name for myself.”

Not only has Gomez made his mark on the Marcos football team, but he has also been an inspiration to younger players as well.

“He’s a person I look up to,” said junior Christian Garcia, “he’s a great person to surround yourself with, he’s a landmark!” 

Gomez is a player who has shown up and put in a lot of hard work through his four seasons at Marcos, making him the go-to wide receiver and a standout safety on the varsity team. 

“He’s been here all four years, he’s here every day,” Garcia said, “He does all the little things.” 

Gomez’s goal for the season was to have over 1,000 yards receiving. Gomez fell short of that mark at the end of the regular season, but he plans on breaking it in the 4A conference playoffs.

According to Maxpreps.com Gomez ended his regular season with 825 receiving yards on 40 receptions. Averaging 82.5 receiving yards per game and 15 receiving touchdowns.

After high school Gomez is looking to make his mark in college.

“Alejandro is an amazing player, he’s very consistent,” Garcia said, “any college would be lucky to have him on their team.”