By Pete Vasquez, Sports Reporter sreyna@cherryroad.com
This pair of Coyotes feel like they’re connected. Being active in sports, like playing baseball together has been a staple of bonding as brothers.
Jerrick Guzman and Matt Carrillo share their dreams on and off the diamond. The duo’s bond is just different no matter what at the end.
“Our friendship is very different from other people. I’ve known Jerrick my whole life. He’s basically like a brother to me. Our parents and older brothers are also close. It makes me feel like he’s family to me and I’m family to him. Jerrick’s been there since day one. There’s not much people like that in today’s world,” said Matt Carrillo.
The feeling is mutual for Jerrick.
“Me and Matt have a lot of similarities. I feel like we both have a lot in common. We like sports, we like being competitive and we like playing the game,” he says.
Growing up together started back in the fourth grade in elementary school. From making one another laugh unexpectedly, creating typical pranks, the outdoors, hunting and barbecuing, these two get together pretty well. They’ve pushed each other to be the best they can in and out of the classroom. Always improving their skills and developing a love for the game of baseball.
Their teammates have that special interaction themselves.
“One thing that I see different from any other team is that we’re all bonded. For example, if one gets down you’ll have someone else in the dugout say you’re good you’ll get it next time. We try to keep our team up instead of bringing us down. We always stay confident in a game even if we’re down on the scoreboard,” said Guzman.
Carrillo added that the team’s relationship with a higher power keeps them at ease.
“We also like to keep Jesus on our side. We pray before a game and before practice. It’s always nice having Jesus on our side,” he said.
The sheer thought of having the “Big Man” on your side conjures up some powerful memories.
“Starting off the year we went through alot of adversity. But right before district play we started winning.
At the Canyon Lake Tournament we went 4-1. We were playing some good baseball. We brought that style of play into district. Then we went through another downfall but picked it up the second half of district play beating state ranked Calallen,” said Guzman.
Against the Wildcats Jerrick was a gem on the mound.
“During that Calallen game the whole day I felt like I was locked in. I wasn’t really talking to anyone at school. I was just listening to music. All day it was just a different vibe. We got to the field and I still felt that vibe. I was feeling great and I trusted my curveball to keep them off balance,” said Guzman.
Jerrick pitched 7 shut out innings allowing only 3 hits and tossed 3 strikeouts in the 1-0 Coyote win clinching a third place finish in 31-4A.
That win can also attest to first year Head Coach and Alice alumni Gonzie Treviño. From his arrival, he wasted little time in branching out to his players building a brand new culture.
“Coach Treviño has game here. He wants to show what the Alice community and baseball players are all about. He’s a very smart man. I feel like I’ve known him forever. He came in with goals and expectations,” said Matt.
Jerrick, Matt and the rest of the Alice Coyotes are looking forward to round two of the state playoffs after sweeping Zapata in round one.
“It’s been one great season but it’s not over yet. I feel like the team is really good right now. The student body, community and coaches believe in us to keep this train going. It’s round two so pop out for the support,” added Carrillo.
There’s no place like home plate for these two Coyote baseball players.
Jerrick and Matt continue to have the most fun ever carrying on that brotherly vibe making an impact not only to their game, but to their future.
The class 4A Area Round best 2 out of 3 game series begins thursday against Floresville in Karnes City at 7.
Game 2 will be Friday at 7 p.m. in Alice.
Game 3 TBD (if needed).
