Sierra Linda RB Kevin Tortolero wins 4A Southwest Offensive Player of the Year
November 15, 2023 by Oliver Fell, Arizona State University
Oliver Fell is an ASU Cronkite School of Journalism Student assigned to cover Sierra Linda High School for azpreps365.com
2023’s 4A Southwest Offensive Player of the Year is not the kind of player you would usually expect.
He doesn’t play for the conference champion. He wasn’t a star before the season. He didn’t turn the heads of many scouts going into his senior year. And his size and physical abilities don’t exactly make coaches’ eyes pop.
But nonetheless, Kevin Tortolero won it.
A combination of hard work, dedication, faith and bonds with his teammates propelled Tortolero to take a step forward in his game and have an outstanding 2023 season for the Sierra Linda Bulldogs.
Tortolero entered the 2023 football season with 674 career yards to his name, two years of experience as both a complementary and primary running back for the Bulldogs. He wanted to play football in college. He worked hard all offseason and set his sights on the 1,000-rushing yards mark, an accomplishment only achieved by his former teammate, Joshua Berg, when Tortolero was a sophomore.
By the end of the season, Tortolero had set the Sierra Linda single-season rushing yards record with 1,214 rushing yards and 8 total touchdowns. It would not have been possible without his teammates on the Bulldogs’ offensive line, including first-team all-region selections Jacob Gomez and Cesar Martinez.
Sierra Linda offensive lineman Jacob Gomez (No. 55) blocks for Kevin Tortolero on a two-point conversion attempt against the Gila Ridge Hawks September 30 in Phoenix. (Photo by Oliver Fell/AZPreps365)“Cesar and Jacob were consistent forces on our line,” Bulldogs’ head coach Ty Preyer said. “Cesar was the only one to start all 10 games and in those games, he consistently dominated games. Jacob could be put in every spot on the line and be successful.”
Preyer pointed out that the joint effort of the offensive line and Tortolero to set the rushing yards record was especially impressive, given the continuity issues of the line throughout the season.
Perhaps what helped Tortolero earn this recognition was his special connection with the line he ran behind.
“MAN! The relationship with my offensive linemen will truly be a special bond,” Tortolero said via social media DM. “They’re not just my teammates but they are family and I love them, I couldn’t have done it without them.”
Preyer said Tortolero’s work ethic allowed him to take the personal step forward that he.
“Kevin is one of the hardest workers you’re ever going to meet,” Preyer said. “He played this position with heart and gives you everything he’s got on every single play.”
Tortolero claims his unrelenting work ethic is fueled by the mentors around him.
“What drives me to improve is my family,” he said. “They are my heart and fuel and they help me keep going and strive for success.”
Relating to the award itself, Tortolero said he is overjoyed to see his effort rewarded.
