The 49ers High School Player of the Week Award for week 6 goes to Fabiano Hale of Soquel High School.
For Soquel High School's Fabiano Hale, the definition of athlete does not solely surround sports. He defines athlete on the field, in the classroom, in the community, and amongst his peers. A 3.5 GPA student who everyone can turn to for guidance, Hale is the football team's captain, star running back, punter, safety, and all-time leading rusher.
"Every classroom he walks in is a better classroom, and every team he is on is a better team," said Coach Myers of his 3-year starter.
Soquel showed they are in fact a better team as they defeated the Scotts Valley Falcons 33-26 in one of the most anticipated matchups of the season. Last Friday, no. 34 Fabiano gave the Knights a head start with back-to-back touchdowns in the first quarter, making the score 14-0. Scotts Valley battled to put 16 -points on the board, but the record-breaking running back answered back with a 62 yard touchdown run, giving the Soquel Knights the lead once again wrapping up the third quarter 20-16. The intensity continued as each team fought for the lead, and finally came to an end with a 3 yard touchdown pass from quarterback Lucas Cardoza to receiver Trestan Peacock with 8.2 seconds left in the game.
"The game was exciting, and emotional," expressed Hale, "The last five years have consisted of close games with Scotts Valley, so it was great for our seniors to see our team play well and come out on top."
Soquel collected 374 total yards in the victory, 223 of those belonging to Hale who had 31 carries. Fabiano currently holds Soquel's all-time rushing record with 2,275 yards, and is currently aiming for the single-season rushing record of 1,189 yards, already recording 858 halfway into the season. With 19 touchdowns this season, Hale is also on track to break NFL player Dwight Lowery's school record of 25. There is no question that scouts will be drooling over the 6'1", 218 lb. aggressive team-player.
Excelling in sports at a young age, Fabiano held state titles as a junior lifeguard, and continued to succeed on any field from then on out. The 4-year starting outfielder for Soquel's varsity baseball squad has also exceeded expectations as a basketball and soccer player.
"I am addicted to competition, and I hate losing," stated Hale who is often praised for his kind-hearted approachability.
This balance of leadership, competition, and drive is how Fabiano seems to approach all areas of life. He is a symbol of respect and has been recognized for the compassion and selflessness he portrays around campus—often being referred to as the one everybody can count on. Painting the picture of sportsmanship, this elite high school athlete is capable of achieving every goal he sets.
"I want to finish high school with a solid GPA, and continue to set and achieve goals in college," said the senior who credits his late grandmother for his motivation and success, "and right now, I am looking forward to winning that CCS Championship."
Fabiano Hale will continue to help better his team in next week's matchup against Aptos, as Soquel seeks to improve their season record to 6-1.
As the home school of 49ers High School Player of the Week, Soquel High School will receive a $500 grant for their football program. Hale will receive a 49ers hat and t-shirt, a certificate signed by 49er head coach Jim Harbaugh, two tickets to a 49ers home game and recognition on 49ers.com. At the end of the season, Fabiano will be invited to the 49ers Training Facility in Santa Clara, CA to accept a trophy recognizing his achievements.
