HS Football Player Spotlight: QB Matthew Avelar powers Salpointe Catholic to unbeaten start

Every week this high school football season, in collaboration with ESPN Tucson’s weekday morning show “Spears & Ali,” we’re spotlighting notable performances from the previous week. Up next: Salpointe Catholic junior quarterback Matthew Avelar.

Salpointe was on the ropes in the first half of the Lancers’ battle with Scottsdale Saguaro.

The Lancers trailed their Phoenix-area rival 17-0 at halftime.

“That first half, our offense, we were making a lot of mistakes and we weren’t able to get a rhythm going,” said Salpointe junior quarterback Matthew Avelar. “Our defense was holding it down for us, getting turnovers for us, but we weren’t creating drives.”

During the halftime break, a Salpointe running back “gave us this big speech” and said “we didn’t have any energy and we look soft,” Avelar said.

“In the second half, everyone fixed what they had to do and we got the job done,” Avelar said. “We came out in the second half and took the game over.”

Salpointe rallied to beat Saguaro 31-17 and preserve its unbeaten record at 3-0. The Lancers have won three straight games against Saguaro.

Avelar completed 24 of 34 passes for 321 yards, four touchdowns and no interceptions in the come-from-behind victory. Avelar’s top target was junior wide receiver RJ Gory, who caught 14 passes for 173 yards and three touchdowns. Junior receiver David Rushing hauled in six passes for 69 yards and two touchdowns.

Avelar had more yards last Friday than he had the previous two games combined — and he quadrupled his touchdown total. The third-year quarterback eclipsed 2,000 career passing yards last week and now has 21 career all-purpose touchdowns.

Avelar’s heroics in the second half warranted him stepping into our High School Football Player Spotlight. Avelar was on ESPN Tucson’s “Spears & Ali” earlier this week to talk about his performance and how he became the Lancers’ quarterback. Here’s that conversation:

Offensively, what was the biggest difference between the first and second half against Saguaro?

A: “Passing the ball. I feel like we were able to pass the ball a lot in the second half. All of my receivers, (including) RJ Gory and David Rushing, they were able to get open and find slots to sit down, so we could drive down the field.”

How did it feel to get the offense in a rhythm and have a breakout game?

A: “I was telling one of my coaches over the weekend that this felt like I’m getting to play my (style of) football. This is where I felt like Matthew Avelar is back and I’m playing how I play. My sophomore year, I just feel like I wasn’t fully there. Now, it feels like I’m back. I’m playing my (style of) football and throwing touchdowns how I should be. My team is there, having my back. I feel good.”

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How did your sophomore year prepare you for this season?

A: “My sophomore year built my confidence a lot. I was dealt so much adversity during the season, so many ups and downs. That helped me grow as a person and a football player, as well. I know how to deal with adversity now. It’s bound to happen, it’s not like it’s going to go away. I’m better at dealing with (adversity) now. I have more control than I did last year.”

What has Salpointe learned as a team through wins over Marana, Tucson High and Saguaro?

A: “We’ve gained lots of knowledge about our team. We need to start off fast in the beginning and now show it after halftime. We need to show it in the first quarter and play all the way through. We don’t know how to start it, but we know how to finish it. We need to work on starting it and finishing it.”

How is it having weapons like Gory, Rushing and Birchak?

A: “They’re awesome. I’ve been playing with RJ since I was 8 years old, so our chemistry is amazing. I’ve known Van for a while now. He’s a good guy and he’s willing to do anything for that team. It helps our team grow on and off the field, having guys like that. Guys willing to sacrifice for the team, it’s really good.”

When did you start playing football, and how did you become a quarterback?

A: “I started playing football when I was 4 years old. I played for the 49ers down in Sahuarita. I played defensive end during most of my youth football. I played defensive end, receiver and I was basically playing everything. It was 13U, that was my first time playing quarterback. I stopped playing defense, didn’t play receiver anymore and I just focused on quarterback. I feel like it’s been the right decision ever since.”

What gives you joy playing the quarterback position?

A: “I love how everyone is depending on me. The whole offense and the whole team is depending on me. Every decision I make has an affect on the outcome of the game. Even this past game, the offense was a big part of the game and we needed to put points on the board and we did that. I love filling everyone with joy when we do that.”

Who’s a quarterback you emulate your game after?

A: “I love Johnny Manziel when he was at Texas A&M. I loved watching him play playground football. He was playing that type of football at the highest level and that was awesome.”

What do you like to do away from playing football?

A: “We have a community gym down in Sahuarita. If you ask anyone, they’ll tell you, ‘Matt’s always at the gym.’ I love to work out. My older brother was a big guy and I remember during COVID, he got me in the gym. Ever since, I go almost every day. ... I love the gym. That’s always been a hobby of mine. Most people don’t like it, but the gym is always there when I’m feeling down or when I’m up.”