Woodrow Wilson offensive guard Chris Hernandez has a football fantasy.
“Just once, I’d like to score a touchdown,” he says. Realistically, the 6-1, 255-pound senior expects to start an offense, play some defense – and not come close to scoring a touchdown.
An offensive lineman has as much chance of scoring a touchdown as most people do of duplicating Hernandez’ feat of starting for three years.
“Chris started out at Woodrow Wilson as a pudgy, overweight kids,” says Wildcats coach Bruce Land.
“Because of a lot of hard work in the weight room, we think he has a legitimate chance to play at a Division 1 college school someday.”
Hernandez brings much-needed leadership to the team, a trait that doesn’t come naturally because of his laid-back nature.
“As a sophomore, I don’t think that I said a word all year long,” he says between mowing lawns to earn summer money. “Last year, the coaches expected me to be more of a leader, and now as a senior, I feel I’m ready for that role.”
After a sophomore season where Woodrow won the District 12-4A title, last season was a disappointment. The Wildcats managed only a 5-5 record, 2-3 in district. This summer, as the days heat up and the weight room is full of players building muscle for the season, optimism once again abounds for Hernandez and company.
“I’ll be upset if we don’t win district this year,” Hernandez says. “We have more experience than a year ago, and I think we’ll have more team unity. I’m getting everybody together to run and lift weights so we’ll be ready.”
In addition to his football heroics, Hernandez finds time to participate on the Woodrow yearbook staff and tosses the discus in track (career best of 130 feet).
The Dallas native bench-presses 330 pounds, runs a 4.9-second 40-yard-dash and, at 17, is still growing and getting stronger every day.
Hernandez comes from an athletic family: He and younger brother Bert, 14, often go one-on-one on the basketball court.
“He doesn’t usually like to take a charge, though, when I drive the lane,” Hernandez says.
That’s because on the field, the mild-mannered guard’s competitive nature takes over.
“Like any good athlete, Chris hates to lose,” says offensive line coach Ron Elliott.
“He is really quick off the ball and understands the big picture now, what he needs to do to get a scholarship and help the team win this season.”
So the odds are remote that you’ll see Hernandez line up at tight end or fullback to score his fantasy touchdown. Instead, he’ll be the big guy in the middle leading the way for runners such as Felix Brown, Vincent Martinez and Mac Hill.
And for Hernandez, another district title would be a fitting way to end his football career at Woodrow Wilson.
“I’ve been telling everyone, winning District 12-4A is way too much fun not to do it one more time,” he says, checking his watch before heading to lift weights again.
