Gomez, Stafford Named Heritage High Athletes of Month

Heritage High School Athletes of the Month Niko Gomez and Lauren Stafford accept their awards from Cynthia Nemelka of RE/MAX Diamond Realty.

Football standout Niko Gomez and tennis star Lauren Stafford were recognized this week as the Menifee 24/7 Heritage High School Athletes of the Week, sponsored by RE/MAX Diamond Realty.

Gomez, an offensive tackle and nose guard for the Patriots, has played a key role in the success of the team this fall. After missing two games with a leg injury, he battled back and gave a boost to both the offense and defense in victories over Paloma Valley and Lakeside.

Thanks to his leadership on and off the field, Heritage is 8-1 overall this season and undefeated in Sunbelt League play, one win away from the league title. The regular-season finale is Friday night at Elsinore High.

"Elsinore's a great team," Gomez said. "You can't just go into a game thinking you're going to win. You have to have a great week of practice and when it comes game time, you have to be well prepared for it. Our coaches will have us ready because they know what this game means."

Although he continues in physical therapy to strengthen his leg, Gomez feels ready for Friday's game and the upcoming CIF playoffs.

"Last week against Lakeside, it felt perfect," he said. "The game before that, Paloma, it was really good. That's the game I wanted to be back for.

"I was being smart about it, staying off of it. When it came time to put the cleats on, I was really ready to go."

Stafford, also a senior, swept her singles matches against Paloma Valley recently and went on to finish second in the Sunbelt League finals, putting her in a good position for the CIF individual tournament later this month.

First, however, is the CIF team playoffs. Stafford and the Patriots defeated Shadow Hills 17-1 in a wild-card match Tuesday to open the playoffs.

"I was surprised at league finals because Elsinore, every one of their girls had beaten me before," Stafford said. "But when it came down to league finals, I beat two of them. I was pretty proud of myself.

"I feel like I've improved a lot this year. Overall, I've learned how to play against each player better and adjust to their game."

Each athlete received a certificate from Menifee 24/7 and a VISA gift card from the award's sponsor, Cynthia Nemelka of RE/MAX Realty.

"I think it's really a great idea to have this award," Stafford said. "It gives the athletes a good feeling about themselves."