Wilson led Falcons, named All-Metro defensive player of the year

Three-year starter Estephan Wilson has been looked upon to be the leader on and off the field for the Los Fresnos Falcons in 2009.

There’s no doubt that he met all expectations.

Wilson has been named The Brownsville Herald’s 2009 All-Metro Defensive Player of the Year.

"Without him this year we would have been in a lot of trouble," Los Fresnos coach Scott Ford said. "He’s an amazing young man and stepped up to be the quarterback of the defense."

While the Falcons failed to repeat as District 32-5A champions, Wilson left it all on the field every Friday night. A change in positions from cornerback to free safety couldn’t stop him, and neither could opposing offenses.

Wilson made his presence felt early in the district season in a 70-27 thrashing of Lopez by grabbing an interception on the first play from scrimmage. He later recovered a fumble on a Lopez kick return.

With seven new starters on defense for the Falcons, Wilson had to both work on his own technique and show the underclassman the ropes at the same time.

"We were lacking a lot of leadership on the field early," Ford said. "(Wilson) took a lot of young starters under his wing and really helped them out."

Wilson, who had an interception return for a touchdown against Pace in 2008, was back to his old tricks in one of the biggest games of the year for the Falcons.

His two interceptions were key in sealing the 35-13 win over the Vikings that put Los Fresnos in the driver’s seat in 32-5A. Wilson also had an interception he returned for 75 yards in a losing effort against the district champion Hanna Eagles.

While the Falcons didn’t win their fourth consecutive district title, fans can be sure it wasn’t for a lack of leadership and ability from Wilson.

"He’s the type of player everyone wants," Ford said.