Panthers LB determined to improve on 2015 playoffs showing

Matthew Herrera was a defensive stalwart for the Colleyville Heritage football team in 2015, and in 2016 he could be even better.

The Colleyville senior finished last season with 81 tackles and was selected to the all-district team, and coach Joe Willis said Herrera is the kind of player that coaches love.

“Matthew is a leader with experience in the big games,” Willis said. “We will count on his poise and energy on the defensive side.”

Herrera said he was pleased with the fact that Colleyville Heritage made the playoffs in 2015, but said the Panthers were hoping for much more.

“It doesn’t mater who we play or what our classification is, we practice at an intense level and expect to play well,” Herrera said. “For that reason, I’m not satisfied with how our season ended, in the first round of playoffs. I made second-team all-district defense. I had a decent season but expect to do better this year.”

Herrera said he tries to contribute a couple of things to his team.

“I try to bring physicality and energy to the team, because physicality is what wins games and energy is what drives you to play at the same high intensity all four quarters,” Herrera said.

Herrera is also a member of the Colleyville lacrosse team, which won the 2016 state championship, as well as a National Hispanic Recognition Program nominee and in the top 10 percent of his class.

The Colleyville senior said he has worked on a couple of things this offseason.

“In summer conditioning, I’ve been working on building strength and speed, and building better relationships with guys on the team and the coaches,” Herrera said.

To improve upon the season the Panthers had in 2015, Herrera said it will take them relying on what has made the team successful in the past.

“We’re focused on bettering ourselves-getting faster, stronger, and smarter, and not worrying about who we’re playing or what district we’re in because no matter who we play, we expect to win,” Herrera said. “That type of mentality can take us anywhere we want.

“On both sides of the ball we have to play fast and physical throughout all four quarters, which is the way we practice. We also need the brotherhood and chemistry that we’ve built in the offseason, spring football and summer conditioning, because that will be the deciding factor in the toughest games.”

This story was originally published August 9, 2016 at 2:34 PM with the headline "Panthers LB determined to improve on 2015 playoffs showing."