Rodriguez knows how to win a battle

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I didn’t see any medals on my lapel or stripes on the shoulders of my blue fleece sweatshirt, but every time I grab Saugus QB Desi Rodriguez for a quick post-game interview, he addresses me like I’m that gunnery sergeant from Full Metal Jacket.

With a polite and unexpectedly formal ‘yes sir’ to my interview request after the Centurions’ 18-14 victory over Canyon on Friday, Rodriguez had nothing but glowing things to say about his gridiron combat buddy, Ryan Zirbel.

‘The kid just wanted it and once Ryan wants something, no one’s going to stop him,’ Rodriguez said. ‘Zirbel got it started for us and it was just incredible how he changed everything for us.’

Rodriguez had a somewhat difficult time cracking the Canyon defense, especially in the first half when the offense, which had been averaging more than 40 points a game this season, only totaled 73 yards. He also got picked off a couple times.

However, once the Zirbel show started, Rodriguez looked more comfortable and was able to help execute the plays that allowed Saugus to post its first victory in five tries against the boys on Nadal Street.

‘We did what we had to do to win,’ Rodriguez said. ‘I knew we could do it.’

There’s that military spirit.

-- Austin Knoblauch

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