Emmanuel Ibanez, Dumas football, Sr.
On the field: There was hardly anything Ibanez didn’t do for the Demons in their 57-6 rout of Plainview last Friday. After Dumas fell behind 6-0, the Demons, and more specifically, Ibanez, took over and never looked back. Ibanez, in only his fourth game starting at quarterback, ran for a 58-yard touchdown less than a minute later to lead an outburst of 57 unanswered points. That began what would be a breakout game at quarterback for Ibanez, who is also in his third season starting at cornerback for Dumas. Ibanez completed 7-of-13 passes for 185 yards and four touchdowns and ran for 132 yards and two touchdowns on just nine carries. And as if to remind everyone that he could still play cornerback, he returned an interception for a touchdown to open the second half and further seal the dominance of Dumas. Ibanez also punts for the Demons and averaged 43 yards a kick last week, as Dumas improved to 3-1 on the season.
Coach Aaron Dunnam: “He means a lot obviously, because he doesn’t come off the field. We just knew coming into this year graduating our quarterback from last year, we really didn’t have one that was ready for this year. We knew with his athleticism and the character and leadership that he had, he’d really fit in there. I don’t think we’ve seen the best of him yet. I think he’ll just continue to grow, and he becomes more comfortable with the position. What Emmanuel does more than anything on the football field is he’s just a high-character individual. He’s the first one you call when you’re looking for someone to help with community service. He’s a got a lot of ability with his feet we knew it would take a while for him to come along with his arm, so it was good to see him throw four touchdown passes. You’ve got to try to do your best to get your best 11 on the field and he’s that.”
Ibanez: “Being starting quarterback and just getting the ball out to the receivers makes it easier I guess. You don’t really get used to it, you just try to get better each and every week. I have to control myself when there are pass rushers and not try to overdo everything. (Trailing 6-0) just gave us a little motivation. We had to score and had to what’s right to get our team back up. They were looking at me running the ball so much and more than what I actually did. That’s when we hit them with four straight touchdown passes. Our receivers are really good this season to get open and see what they’ve got. I knew I was going to play cornerback, but I was just as shocked as anybody when they told me I was going to be quarterback. I thought it was a joke. I think it just shows how much of a threat as a team. (The interception return) just felt amazing. It showed I’m not just a threat on offense.”
About Ibanez
Favorite band or musician: Drake
Favorite social media platform: Facebook
Favorite athlete: DeAnthony Thomas
Bet you didn’t know: Says he’s a homebody
Parents: Gloria Ibanez and Jose Talamantes
