Eagles senior Isaac Mendiola headed to all-star game


For one last time, Isaac Mendiola will get to step onto a football field sporting the green and white for Pleasanton.

The senior safety and wide receiver will play in the San Antonio Sports All-Star Football Game on Jan. 6 at the Alamodome.

“It was an exciting feeling that I get to play another game after the season and that they would pick me to be in it,” Mendiola said.

Mendiola, who shared Utility Player of the Year honors for District 15-4A Division I, racked up 952 receiving yards and 11 touchdowns this season to go along with more than 30 solo tackles and two interceptions on defense.

“Isaac is a fierce competitor,” Pleasanton coach Stephen Liska said. “He’s got a really good attitude every day at practice. He works hard and he’s a good student. He’s in the top 20 of his class. He does really well in academics and athletics.”

Mendiola helped the Eagles to a 10-2 record and  the team’s first playoff win since 2007.

“It’s a reflection on the season we had, the hard work that the kids put in,” Liska said. “It’s nice for the team and the community to be recognized and have a member playing in the all-star game.”

A selection committee of media members and retired coaches from the San Antonio area determined the all-star rosters, which feature more than 100 players from Bexar and surrounding counties.

Mendiola will play on the East team under Smithson Valley coach Larry Hill, a member of the Texas High School Coaches Association Hall of Honor.

Some of the schools with players on the East team include Cibolo Steele, Converse Judson and San Antonio Reagan.

Mendiola’s all-star selection comes a year after Jerrell Mitchell represented Pleasanton in the game.

“It means a lot that this town has someone to represent them,” Mendiola said. “And hopefully I can do it right.”

As for how he performs in the game, Mendiola is focused more on enjoying the moment.

“I just want to have fun going against really good athletes,” the senior said. “It’s going to be the best talent I’ve played this whole year. I just want to have a good time.”

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