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Football Player of the Week

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Facing a 21-17 deficit entering the fourth quarter, the Mariner Tritons turned to quarterback and team leader, junior Gabby Rojas.

His running, passing and intangibles meant a lot as the Tritons scored 20 unanswered points to rally to a 37-21 victory over Port Charlotte.

The Daily Breeze Football Player of the Week gained 156 yards on 26 carries, scoring on an eight-yard run, and passed for 76 yards and one touchdown.

“He’s coming along as our leader,” Tritons coach Chad O’Brien said. “Last week was a huge stride for him. He’s got to continue to do that. As he gets better, we’ll get better.”

Rojas has shouldered a heavier load this season, his first full season as the starting quarterback. He started five games last season, splitting time with his older brother, Joel, who graduated.

Though the Tritons went 6-4 last season, they lost several key starters on defense, which was the team’s strength.

Rojas said he knew he needed to become more of a leader with a young team. He got stronger in the offseason and has continued to get pointers from his older brother.

“He still helps me out a lot at home,” Rojas said. “I feel a lot more productive (this year). I can do a lot more.”

Rojas has become a dual threat out of the spread attack. In the past they’ve been more of a ball-control running team, but Rojas has shown steady improvement as a passer. He’s rushed for 536 yards (89.3 per game) and passed for 372 yards through six games.

“He’s a lot stronger now,” O’Brien said of Rojas, “and we’re able to throw the ball now. It’s been about two years since we’ve had the ability to throw and that makes a big difference.”

Rojas said they’ve had to work on getting mentally stronger when they get behind. The second-half rally against Port Charlotte showed more resolve.

“Sometimes when we get down we’re done,” Rojas said. “We have to stay up.”

The Tritons (3-3) face North Fort Myers in a key District 5A-12 battle Friday.

Honorable mentions:

Jake Kistel, sophomore, Bishop Verot: Quarterback Kistel passed for four touchdowns in the Vikings’ 42-6 victory over St. John Neumann.

Mario Pender, freshman, Cape Coral: Pender ran for 129 yards on five carries in the Seahawks’ win over Estero. He scored twice, including on an 83-yard run.