Resilient Airline QB Alex Garcia Hungry To Build On Last Season's Success

by Jace LeJeune

Airline High School QB Alex Garcia (Photo provided by Alex Garcia)

The Airline Vikings had an incredible season in 2019 going 10-3 and advancing to the Class 5A Quarterfinals. Although the season was successful, there was some adversity along the way as their head coach Bo Meeks was preparing for a different battle, which was cancer. As Meeks was fighting a different fight, he knew that he could rely on his quarterback Alex Garcia to take care of business on the football field.

"Last year overall was a little difficult with Coach Meeks and his cancer," Garcia said. "Although he never really showed it, Coach Meeks is a tough man and his toughness radiated off to the rest of the team. For us, our best way to show that we care and are there for him was to win games and do what was asked of us."

Garcia did much more on his end by not only leading the Vikings to ten victories, but also showcasing his skills by throwing for 2,735 yards and 30 touchdowns as well as earning All City, All-State, offensive player of the year and MVP honors. Not only has the 6-0, 185 pound award winning quarterback played well in difficult circumstances, but he did so in only his first season starting at the varsity level.

"My playmaking ability and being poised in difficult times are some of my biggest strengths," Garcia said.

Playing your best football in difficult situations is one of the best qualities a quarterback can have and it shows. Louisiana Football Magazine's recruiting expert Lee Brecheen had seen his potential in practice even before he had gotten the chance to start. Now, Garcia is showing everyone what he is capable of. Despite last year's success, s are still trying to catch on.

"So far, I have not been on any visits or have received any offers," Garcia said.

Although Garcia may have not received any offers at this point heading into his senior season, he still believes in his skillset and what he can offer as a quarterback.

"My goals before the year, I wanted to be the best quarterback in Louisiana and make the Elite 11," Garcia said. "As of now, I've made the top 100 for Elite 11 and in my opinion, I believe I am the best quarterback in the state of Louisiana."

Garcia knows in order to be the best quarterback in the state, he must lead his team to be the best in the state as well.

"Last season was a great bounce back year for the team," Garcia said. "We were hungry, focused, and all strived for the same goal. This year, we have a lot of new guys coming in on both sides of the ball with a lot of potential. I truly believe we can perform at a high level again."

Garcia has also watched and emulated plenty of Super Bowl winning quarterbacks so he could bring that type of leadership to his team.

"I like watching Russell Wilson (NC State/Wisconsin/Seattle Seahawks) and Patrick Mahomes (Texas Tech/Kansas City Chiefs)," Garcia said. "Both guys are great leaders and play phenomenal football at the quarterback position. Like myself, Russell Wilson isn't the biggest guy and is a playmaker. I also try to emulate Mahomes' gunslinger mentality."

Not only has Garcia watched, but he has also acted during this unusual quarantine period.

"Quarantine has allowed me to take a huge leap in my play," Garcia said. "I've gotten stronger, faster, and am more accurate with the ball. I am also working out just about everyday to have a better year than last year. My message to my teammates is to adapt and to overcome in order to find ways to better yourself in a difficult time such as well."

Getting a scholarship offer is what drives the Airline All-State quarterback this offseason, and he is not letting his weaknesses overshadow his strengths while doing so.

"I need to improve on my mental aspect of the game in terms of reading coverages," Garcia said. "It is something I've devoted quite some time to this offseason, which is just being a student of the game and trying to soak in more and more information to maximize my potential."

One can go on and on about how special Garcia is as a quarterback and as an athlete, but in order to understand him even more is to understand what he wants to do outside of football.

"I want to be a therapist or a dentist when I hang up the cleats," Garcia said. "I think it'd be a nice occupation for me."

Helping other people whether it is his family, Coach Meeks, or the rest of his team comes first priority to him.

"I'm a winner," Garcia said. "I'm willing to go to extraordinary lengths to achieve and accomplish my goals. I also do what is asked of me and more."

Garcia has already proved that he could do much more than what is asked of him, but now during this coronavirus pandemic, Garcia is asking for another chance this season to show why this resilient quarterback deserves a shot at the next level.

Click the link below to check out Alex Garcia's junior highlights:

https://www.hudl.com/video/3/10265497/5de5e711f569ca1110390007

Hey football fans. Like our recruiting interviews, stories, and other content on our website? Click on our website daily to view articles on recruits, coaches, and so much more at our website: https://www.lafootballmagazine.com/. Also, we have exciting news that for the third straight year, we will have our North and South LA issues and both are now out! Both issues will continue to cover all the Louisiana s as well as all the high schools in state, but there will be 16 pages that will focus on North Louisiana as well as South Louisiana. For more information, please check the following link to where you can find the magazine in a store near you. Also, below are the two covers as well as where you can order both magazines on our website.

Store Link: https://www.lafootballmagazine.com/news/2019-louisiana-football-magazine-north-and-south-editions-now-available-in-stores-near-you/

North Cover South Cover

North Online Order Link: https://www.lafootballmagazine.com/product/la-football-magazine-2019-annual-preview-north-edition/

South Online Order Link: https://www.lafootballmagazine.com/product/la-football-magazine-2019-annual-preview-south-edition/

Jace is from Addis, LA but resides in Port Allen, LA. Jace attends Southeastern Louisiana University and is majoring in Communications. This is Jace’s fourth year as Associate Editor at Louisiana Football Magazine. He is also a graduate from Catholic High School in baton-rouge where he was the editor of the school newspaper the “Bearly Published.” While at CHS, Jace also announced their football, basketball, and baseball games for the Bruin Broadcast Network which is the Catholic High’s streaming website for their events. On weekends, Jace is the PA announcer for his middle school football games. At home, Jace enjoys time with his family and friends. Besides being a huge football fan, Jace is also an avid NHRA drag racing fan.