Detecting a slight movement of the ball, the senior exploded toward a Pirates carrier and delivered a hit that sent the sound of crunching shoulder pads reverberating to the stands.
Over the course of the 2014 football season, such hits have become commonplace for Finch, who, after moving from Texas before the season, has had an instant impact on his new team.
“I played middle linebacker in Texas, and it’s a whole different atmosphere down there,” said Finch. “We’re just bred on football and rodeo. There are some big, tough, physical guys.”
This season, Finch has made 27 tackles and two interceptions from his linebacker position. The senior has also rushed for 81 yards as the Panthers have won four of their first six games.
“The atmosphere on the team is really great,” said Finch. “We all stick together during games.”
When not playing football, Finch spends part of his time riding bulls and broncs and during the past three years, competed in several large rodeos in Texas.
“I’d play Friday night football, and my coach would pick me up from the game and we’d drive eight hours to a rodeo,” said Finch. I’d wake up in the morning and ride bulls. It was really rough on my body.”
A talented wrestler who qualified for state last season and helped Boys Ranch High School win the Region I-4A title in Texas last season, Finch plans to hit the mats for the Panthers this year.
“I plan on going to state,” said Finch. “Seager (Oliver), Justice (Ramos) and Josh (Ramos)…We’re all planning on making state.”
Between now and high school graduation in May, Finch plans to focus on school and better his new high school and community in any way he can.
“(Cortez) has been really good,” said Finch. “I came up here this year to live with my mom, and she left. I decided to stay and see what I can make of it.”
As for his future, the senior said that he would like to attend college and major in agribusiness. If he doesn’t receive a college scholarship, Finch said hopes to earn a living in ranching.
“I want to get some land and get some cows,” Finch said. “I’m not moving back to Texas. The dust is awful there.”
Discussing his goals for the remainder of the football season, Finch emphasized that he will do anything he can to help M-CHS qualify for the playoffs for the first time in several years.
“I think if our defense stands strong and our offense can move the ball, we can advance to state,” Finch said.