By Jeremy McDonald
Jeremymcdonald73@gmail.com
SALEM, Ore.– Dallas’ Bertram Latta has slowly came into his own the last two years.
His freshman year, he was a swing player for the Dragons. Cutting his teeth against the older guys and Team Camp that year was a turning point in showing that he has the potential to do something if given the chance at the Varsity level.
He recalled his first Varsity game, against Glencoe, going in at Defensive End and was able to go make a few plays right out of the gate.
“I was able to take those early Varsity experiences and prepared myself for what it is like,” said Latta. “And that was my mindset, take the experience I have right now so I can apply them to the next years.”
Latta battled through an injury his sophomore year, but still contributed towards a Dallas squad that reached the 5A State Quarterfinals and went 7-4 on the year.
That time away allowed him to develop a tough mental approach that when he was healthy to play, he was ready to go. And it worked out in his favor as he worked to earn 5A All-State Honorable Mention Honors on the Offensive Line to go with Second Team All-League Honors on the O-Line and Honorable Mention selection on the Defensive Line.
“I gained some mental knowledge and try to do as much as I could in my head, so when I came back, first game against Central (on October 3), I was able to go out and ball out,” Latta said. “This year, being one of our guys to try to help the defense, I want to lead by example and lead by what I say and lead our team on a deep playoff run like I want to do every year.”
As for Tuesday night at West Salem High School, Latta saw a change of pace. Instead of throwing hands on a pass block or running down hill on a run play, Latta lined up at Tight End and was running routes. The lineman even caught a pass during the 7-on-7 session. And though it’s only for a short time, Latta is embracing that Skills Position Life for a time.
“I think it’s so fun. When our coach said “Bert is going to get a couple of Tight End reps”, that’s going to end after today,” Latta smiles. “It’s nothing like I’m switching positions, but I think it’s super fun being out here supporting my teammates and getting in when I can.”
Photos By Jeremy McDonald
