At 5-foot-11½ and 275 pounds, Abilene High defensive lineman Xavier Cortez will never be the biggest guy on a Class 6A football field. But he’s put in years of work to ensure that he’s among the strongest and most physical. 

With just one more game guaranteed in his high school football career, Cortez could put both of those qualities to the test for the final time Friday at Shotwell Stadium. And if that is the case, he’s excited to do it against a Euless Trinity team and program known for its strength and physicality.

“I’m excited,” said Cortez, who had been nursing a calf bruise leading up to the Eagles’ regular-season finale. “I’m really excited about it, just to get out there and play.”