Mountain Pointe Pride’s A’Lysha “Zeke” Rodriguez has one position when he steps on the football field – athlete.
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Rodriguez was born in Newburgh, New York, and moved to Arizona in 2019. The New York Native comes from a family of athletes.
“I’m the middle child of four. My parents were track stars in high school and college and my oldest brother had playing opportunities in the CFL and NFL,” Rodriguez said. “I am blessed with a supportive family of faith that has been there for me since Day One.”
The junior transferred from Casteel High School in Queen Creek after his Sophomore year. During the 2022-23 season with the Casteel Colts, Zeke accounted for 781 all-purpose yards and seven touchdowns in 13 games. This was while playing cornerback for the team as well.
Casteel with an opening TD drive to start the game – 2025 RB @arxzeke takes the toss sweep along the left-side and turns the corner for a @CasteelFootball TD, sealed nicely by 2024 tackle @CamdenJury. Casteel 7 Pinnacle 0 1st Q @AZHSFB @gridironarizona @CoachNewcombe pic.twitter.com/f7JbGH20bo
— Cody Cameron (@CodyTCameron) December 3, 2022
First Season With The Pride
After an up-and-down regular season for the Pride, they entered the 6A Divisional playoffs as the No. 11 seed and faced No. 6 Perry Pumas. The team led 21-14 at half, but could not pull out the upset, losing 30-27.
“I am proud of the team for fighting hard against Perry. It didn’t go our way but we will be back,” Rodriguez said. “We can do special things, we just have to stay together and lock in. I’m never too focused on being the underdog, I come ready to play regardless.”
Zeke primarily played running back and slot receiver for the Pride, while also handling special teams duties. He finished the season with 1111 all-purpose yards and 11 total touchdowns. Rodriguez was named 6A 1st Team All-Region for his dominant season.
Blessed! Thank you to my coaches and teammates for putting me in a position to succeed. Locked in for Playoffs🪽#CHO5EN #JobNotFinished #MPHS @mphsrecruiting @MPHS_Football @CoachElauer51 @AaronFrana @ZachAlvira @JUSTCHILLY @azc_obert @AZPreps365 pic.twitter.com/462BrB95PN
— A’Lysha "Zeke" Rodriguez (@arxzeke) November 7, 2023
Rodriguez has proven to be able to thrive while playing several positions and wants to help his team in any way he can, regardless of where it is on the field.
“I enjoy having the ball in my hands. It is most natural for me. I know I can contribute on any level of the field. Offense, special teams, and even defense,” Rodriguez said. “I’m fast and I think I surprise people with my strength. But I am willing to be used wherever the coaches think is best.”
#5 Zeke Rodriguez with the 80 yard TD run for Mountain Pointe. May be the fastest player in 6A @arxzeke #MPHS #AZ pic.twitter.com/Fj9J2RADfN
— LORD FLASH🚀 (@_theflash6) October 28, 2023
Zeke’s Final High School Season
Zeke now has one final high school season and is ready to end it on a strong note. He will undoubtedly have a significant role for the Pride once again.
“Heading into my senior year, I am definitely focused on dominating and being the best player I can be. I want to earn a scholarship and go on to college and get my degree. I want to lead my team to a championship and be a great teammate.”
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Saleh Awwad is a writer/reporter covering Phoenix High School Sports and more for Burn City Sports. You can follow him on X via @SalehAwwad_
