LYNN — When you’re on a new football team, sometimes the best way for you to see game time is to be as versatile as possible. Whether you start on offense, defense, or special teams, being on the field is the most important. For Lynn’s Edwin Castro, versatility is something he’s known for.
This year, Castro transferred from Lynn English to St. John’s Prep, and he said he’s been enjoying the change of scenery.
“I really enjoy the atmosphere at St. John’s,” Castro said. “Everyone wants to win and everyone is down for the game. I want to take my game to the next level, so I look to compete, and everyone at St. John’s is about competing with each other to get better.”
Last Friday, St. John’s Prep was one win away from heading back to Gillette to compete for the Division I State Championship. All the team had to do was get past Andover.
Heading into the game, Castro was mainly playing on defense, but head coach Brian St. Pierre and the rest of the coaching staff started to give Castro some looks from the backfield in practice.
“All week he had me getting reps at the position. He told me to stay ready the whole week and I made sure I was ready,” Castro said.
Despite not knowing if he would actually take any snaps at running back, Castro said something felt “different” during pregame.
“For some reason, that game felt different,” Castro said. “I was just so excited to be there. I just had a feeling it was going to be my game. All thanks to God, when I got in the game I was so excited and it went from there.”
In the second quarter, St. Pierre called Castro’s number with Prep on Andover’s 11 yard-line. Castro got the hand-off and bolted into the endzone to give Prep a 16-0 lead.
A few drives later, it was Castro again who got the call and ran in his second touchdown of the day from 4 yards out to make it 22-0.
“When I was lining up I was like ‘This is my opportunity to show what I can do,’” Castro said. “When I got the ball I saw the hole open up and I was just so excited. There was a lot of emotion going through my mind. I couldn’t be more happy scoring two touchdowns in a row.”
Castro admitted to having some “butterflies” when his number was called, as he knows the expectations at St. John’s Prep are very high.
“I was very nervous. Playing for St. John’s Prep, there are a lot of people there and watching,” Castro said. “It was a nervous moment, but I have to thank the entire O-line for doing their job.”
St. Pierre praised Castro’s competitive nature and ability to play on all three phases of the game.
“Edwin is a guy who first and foremost competes. That’s what I like most about him,” St. Pierre said. “He’s played on defense, offense, and special teams for us. I think coming here was a huge step up for him competition-wise from what he was used to and it has taken some time for him to get comfortable, but he’s a guy we are excited about. He had a very productive game for us the other night in the state semi-final against Andover, which was great to see.”
When asked if Castro had a preference between offense and defense, he said he loves both sides of the ball.
“I love playing defense. As a defensive back, I love tackling and I love playing in coverage,” Castro said. “I also like being on the offensive side too. I love running the ball and attacking the ball. I love it all.”
Although it was his first time running the ball for the Eagles, it wasn’t new to him entirely as he used to run the ball with the Bulldogs.
“I feel like I’m an all-around player, to be honest. Back at Lynn English, I used to run the ball a lot,” Castro said.
Castro has an opportunity to win a state championship with the Eagles when they take on Xaverian Brothers at Gillette Stadium, with the date and time to be announced.
“I’m so excited. I’ve been dreaming of this moment. I can’t wait for it,” Castro said. “I have never even been to Gillette before, so hopefully this will end up being a great experience.”
