Islip's Gaviria voted Suffolk's best linebacker
Alex the Builder was the foundation of the Islip defense.
Alex Gaviria, who became Islip's first Collotta Award winner (best linebacker in Suffolk) last night, is an architecture buff, but he was more inclined to bulldoze opposing ballcarriers for the Bucs this season.
The 5-11, 195-pound senior finished the season with 115 tackles, five forced fumbles, four sacks and two interceptions, and finishes his three-year career as Islip's all-time leader in tackles.
"I can't remember anyone breaking one of his tackles this year," Islip coach Jamie Lynch said. "When he hit you, you stayed hit."
The Colombian-born 18-year- old is Islip's highest academically ranked player (93 GPA), according to Lynch, and his interests off the field run the gamut.
He became interested in architecture through a relative in the field and hopes to major in the subject at whichever college he chooses. He's taken classes at Islip in AutoCAD, which allows him to build computer models. "It's something I really want do," he said of his passion for architecture.
On the field, the quiet leader anchored a defense that allowed only 126 points in 11 games. He also was the starting fullback and sometimes lined up in the slot. He scored five rushing touchdowns, another two receiving and also served as the team's long snapper.
"He is the best two-way player I've had the opportunity to coach," Lynch said. "Special teams, too."
Gaviria's high school career ended in heartbreak in the Division III final when Islip lost in three overtimes to Sayville, 26-20. The Bucs had blown out Sayville, 41-13, in Week 6. Gaviria stripped Sayville running back John Haggart to hold the Golden Flashes scoreless on their second overtime possession.
"I thought that was the game," Gaviria said of his play. "It was so frustrating because I was going into that game thinking we were going to win no matter what."
Gaviria now looks forward to basketball and lacrosse, two sports he also excels in. But football is where he etched his name into concrete blocks.
"We have so many special athletes that can cover anywhere," Gaviria said of his teammates. "Without them, I wouldn't be in the position I am in now."
