Athlete of the Week: Jesus Gonzalez

Photo by NATALIE DANKO/Keys Weekly

Jesus Gonzalez
Senior, Marathon
Football 

“Jesus’ toughness, instincts and work ethics are what set him apart from the rest. He has been waiting for this moment since he was in sixth grade here at Marathon.” – Sean McDonald, Marathon head coach

Senior Jesus Gonzalez has waited a long time for this season. The quiet leader has been running Marathon’s single-wing offense since middle school, and in the Dolphins’ preseason win over South Miami, that experience showed. Gonzalez rushed for 105 yards and two touchdowns on 11 carries while completing four passes for 47 yards and another score. More likely to lead by example than with words, Gonzalez has earned the respect of his teammates through his toughness, work ethic and commitment to the team. His twin brother Israel shares the backfield with him, but for Gonzalez, the brotherhood extends across the roster. More than individual numbers or accolades, what he wants most is to see the Dolphins succeed. For his selfless play, tireless off-season work ethic and standout performance, Marathon’s Jesus Gonzalez is the Keys Weekly Athlete of the Week.

Tracy McDonald
Tracy McDonald fled to the Keys from the frozen mountains of Pennsylvania hours after graduating from college and never looked back. She is a second generation coach and educator, and has taught in the public school system for over 25 years. She and her husband met at a beginning teacher meeting in 1997 and have three children born and raised in Monroe County. In her free time, McDonald loves flea markets, historical fiction and long runs in the heat.

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