LA MARQUE — Gaston Benson’s least favorite part of the football field is the sideline. He found that out the hard way this season.
After injuring his right ankle in a victory over Friendswood, the La Marque High School linebacker sat out two games and played gingerly in the third. The senior returned to the lineup in the Coogs’ 31-6 victory over El Campo in the first round of the playoffs.
Now, he says he’s finally returned to full strength as La Marque enters tonight’s second-round game against Lumberton at 7 p.m. at Baytown’s Stallworth Stadium.
He’s thankful for his return, and anxious to prove all the doubters wrong.
“I’m not trying to lose any games,” Benson said. “I know it would be a heartbreaker if we lose, but I’m not thinking about that right now. I’m thinking about going to get the ’ship.”
La Marque coach Chris Jones said it’s no coincidence the Coogs seem to regain their swagger in Benson’s first game back. They lost to Texas City without Benson and to Dickinson without Benson in position to be effective.
He’s the unquestioned leader of the defense that has given itself the nickname “The Black MAFIA.” He had one of the team’s signature plays against El Campo. El Campo’s running back broke into the open field and appeared ready to score, but Benson chased him down and tackled him inside the 10-yard line. El Campo lost a fumble on the next play.
“You could see the defense get its swagger back against El Campo with him on the field,” Jones said. “You can tell when he’s on the field running around making plays, our defense is a whole lot better.”
Benson’s value extends well beyond his physical skills as a linebacker. While that is his official position, he’s more of a rover. He might line up as a linebacker, defensive end or safety depending on the formation the Coogs are using on any play. He also makes most of the defensive play calls.
It’s no secret that Benson is the team’s best athlete on defense.
“Sometimes you can replace certain kids with a guy behind them who still gets the job done in a decent way,” Jones said. “It’s been tough for us to find a guy like that because he does so many things.”
Benson could be an intimidating presence for Lumberton tonight. The Raiders (10-1) are in the midst of their first postseason appearance. Jones said the scene at their first-round game last week was electric.
Benson hopes to ruin the Raiders’ party by showing them La Marque’s tradition is no match for a rookie.
“I know what it takes to make our guys play well,” Benson said. “You have to get them up and get them right. I feel good. I’d like to come back and help my team because I’m one of the leaders.”
