Proper preparation prevents poor performances.
That’s Walden Grove High School senior linebacker and running back Carlos Montoya Jr.’s M.O., which the WGHS star to have a standout performance in the Red Wolves’ 31-6 win over Mountain View last Friday.
Montoya had 16 tackles, 4.5 stops for loss and a sack, while totaling 113 yards of total offense.
“This was not my first time going up against them, so I knew what to expect from them and what I had to do,” Montoya said. “Going over key plays and key roles from their offense was effective and helped me get those 16 tackles.”
In the last two years, Montoya has emerged as one of the top linebackers in Southern Arizona. Last season, only one other Tucson-area player had more tackles than Montoya, who finished with 125 tackles. In three seasons, Montoya has 263 tackles, 10 sacks and three interceptions.
ABOVE: During a matchup last season, Walden Grove’s Carlos Montoya Jr (20) slips by Cienega’s Liam Moore (80) on his way to the end zone for a score in the second quarter a Sept. 15, 2023, game at Walden Grove High School. BELOW: Montoya Jr gets wrapped up by Cienega’s Kadin Thomas.
Montoya attributed his success and path to stardom to the daily grind.
“I’ve always wanted it more and always try to put in the extra work that no one sees or wants to do,” he said. “I always want to be one step ahead of the person in front of me or the person next to me. I always want to get better and be the best I can be.”
After losing the first two games by a combined eight points, Montoya and the Red Wolves have rattled off three straight wins and are looking for their fourth straight victory on Friday at Sahuaro.
In partnership with ESPN Tucson’s “Spears and Ali,” Montoya is our high school football player of the week. Here are some of the questions he answered on the show:
Last season, Walden Grove’s Carlos Montoya Jr (20) gets wrapped up by Cienega’s Kadin Thomas (88) on a sweep in the third quarter of their matchup on Sept. 15, 2023, at Walden Grove High School.
You have to be cut from a certain cloth to play linebacker. What led you to the position?
A: “I would say I’ve been more physical most of the time. I’ve been aggressive when you need it on defense, like a stop on third down or short-yardage gains where I’ve been able to fill that spot.”
Which one do you prefer, playing linebacker or running back?
A: “I like that linebacker spot. It’s that game-setter and tone-setter that hypes up my teammates, and you can’t stop it.”
What’s been different about Walden Grove in the last three games?
A: “I feel very confident in our streak right now. It took us a little bit in the first two games. Barely losing by a touchdown between both of them is very upsetting, but with this streak we got, I feel very confident going into the upcoming weeks. We still have tough opponents coming and they’re all going to be good games and good fight, but I feel confident in this team that we’re going to show out and give our best performance to come out with the W.”
What did you learn from the two losses?
A: “Just not starting slow and we gotta play all four quarters and play the game we know for all four quarters, not just a half or three quarters.”
How much does the town of Sahuarita support Walden Grove football?
A: “I love it. We all appreciate each other, care for each other and we all want everyone to be successful down here. We always hang out and it’s a bond between everyone.
“The support gives us the motivation to show out for our community and show what Sahuarita has in Arizona.”
You’re part of a long line of standout linebackers to play at Walden Grove, a list that includes Rick Avelar and Sebastian Adamski, among others. How much did those guys influence your game at WGHS?
A: “I’ve talked to a few linebackers here before me. I’ve always wanted to be as good or even better. I get information from them and see how they feel about it, being able to learn from their experiences and being coachable from those players who’ve gone through it already and have that experience.”
What are your hobbies away from football?
A: “I like to draw, I like to color. I love coloring books and get out to golf sometimes. I’m just laid-back and relaxed away from the field.”
What’s next for you after the season?
A: “I’m definitely planning on going to the next level. Wherever the opportunity presents itself to me, I’m definitely going to go full-speed into it and show my skills at the next level. Hopefully at the end of it, I get a very good degree and look for my future.”
