ON DEFENSE WITH JOSH MENO

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By Michael Cruz

Josh Meno posing with his family. (courtesy photo)

Madison Maverick Senior Linebacker Josh Meno’s high school career came to an end versus the Pearland Oilers. The Mavericks were up 34 to 31 before a 97 kickoff return in the last two minutes ended the season 38-34.

Meno though, went out holding his shield accounting for 20 tackles in his final game. The Mavericks had a great season finishing as Region 4 champions with a record of 11-4.  Meno paced the team, leading them with 177 tackles this season. The linebacker has been holding down the starting linebacker position ever since his junior season.

His uncle Bruce Meno is the current football head coach at FD and a Guam high school football legend. Cousin Jared Meno was Texas High School All-State and played college football at Angelo State, another cousin played college football in Houston. His Bossier City youth football teammate Brendan Harris is the #5 dual threat quarterback on rivals.com and is verbally committed to LSU.

Age: 18
Grade: Senior at James Madison High School in San Antonio, Texas
Village: Merizo
Height: 5’11
Weight: 183 lbs
Position: LB
Accolades: 1^st Team All District, 1^st team Team All City, Honorable Mention All State
Stats: 97 Tackles (2012), 177 Tackles (2013)

Josh Meno putting a lick on one of the offensive players. (courtesy photo)

GSPN: Give us a little background on how you started playing football.

JM: I started playing street football when I was 10 in Bossier City, Louisiana. I joined the youth football league at 11 through a school friend. I was purposely put in the 12-14 age group by my first football coach. My first play in football was on a kickoff during practice and I was using only my older brother’s helmet. I hit the ball carrier and leveled him. The coach was shocked, made me the starter, and gave me my first set of football shoulder pads. I’ve played every year except 6^th grade. I moved to San Antonio, Texas before the 8^th grade to live with my sister.

GSPN: Do you know of any other Chamorros currently playing high school in the San Antonio area?

JM: I think it’s just me.

GSPN: Are you planning to walk in somewhere or are there any football programs recruiting you?

JM: Yes, I want to play college football anywhere that’s willing to give me an opportunity. I’m open minded to a scholarship offer or walking on somewhere. Mary Hardin Baylor has shown some interest in me.

GSPN: Any reflections on your high school career?

JM: Growing as a freshman to a senior was a big time change. I was not as serious the first two years. By my junior year I matured. I wanted to learn more about my culture and the world. Football has taught me about overcoming adversity and working as a team. Playing football has also brought my family closer together.

Meno in on a team tackle. (courtesy photo)

GSPN: Any advice for the Guam youth players who aspire to get to your level?

JM: Never give up, keep pushing, don’t doubt yourself, keep God first, family second and culture third.

GSPN: Anyone you wish to thank for helping you become a successful student athlete?

JM: I want to thank God first for my present and past success. I want thank my mom Rose Meno who raised us independently supporting 14 children. I want to thank my sister Nori for stepping up and taking care of me when I was dealing with troubled issues. My brothers Noel, RJ, Edward, LT, JR, Damian for praising me to be aggressive on the field.

Check out Meno’s playing profiles:

http://www.hudl.com/athlete/o/1625676/

http://lonestargridiron.com/2013/08/08/2013-lsg-team-preview-san-antonio-madison-mavericks/

http://www.maxpreps.com/athlete/josh-meno/esxyoWKlEeOzMAAmVebBJg/default.htm

http://www.statesman.com/ap/ap/texas/texas-apse-class-5a-all-state-football-team/ncPkz/

http://www.cpotx.com/profiles/profile_public.php?id=25579

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