Athlete of the Week: Nik Garza

NIK GARZA

Oakdale linebacker/safety

• What he did: The 5-8, 170-pounder intercepted two second-half passes and top-seeded Oakdale pulled away from No. 9 Benicia in a 35-12 win in the Sac-Joaquin Section Division 3 quarterfinal. Garza, who has five interceptions this fall and eight in his career, was defending a 10-yard out pattern when he cut in front of the receiver for the pick. He returned his fourth-quarter pick 25 yards, after jumping to take from the ball from a receiver who was running a deep fade route.

• What it means: Garza plays a dual role for the Mustangs, using his strength at linebacker and his quickness and agility in the secondary.

• What's next: Oakdale (11-1) hosts No. 4 American Canyon (10-2) in Friday's semifinal.

— RICHARD T. ESTRADA