My Brother's Keeper: Injured QB Aiding Brother's Growth in Eldorado's Dominant Squad

ELDORADO, TX-- The Eldorado Eagles are enjoying one of the best seasons in program history.

The Eagles are 6-3 overall and 4-0 in District 8-2A Division II with at least a share of the district championship -- their first since 2012 -- locked up heading into their rivalry clash with Christoval this Friday. That all-time series is tied 8-8.

Eldorado has cruised through their district, outscoring opponents 178-3. Last year, Eldorado failed to win a district game. In fact, Eldorado’s win total (4) in district play matches their win total in district play from 2014 to 2017.

The Eagle’s rise in 2018 hasn’t exactly been perfect. They’ve had their fair share of choppy waters to navigate. Yet, they navigated it with ease.

Most notably, Eldorado lost their starting quarterback early in the season.

Junior Kevan Covarrubiaz began the season with a lot of optimism. He missed all of 2017 with an injury to his left knee.

It was also an exciting season because he and his freshman brother, Korbin, were set to play on varsity together. The Eagles also use the motto “My Brother’s Keeper” as a battle cry for their team.

Kevan’s season started off well, accounting for 797 yards of total offense and seven total touchdowns through three games.

That excitement dropped in that third game against Brackett. Kevan injured his right knee and was set to miss the rest of the season once again.

“It was hard coming back from last year and having it all happen again,” Kevan said.

In stepped Korbin for his injured brother. He had hardly seen time for Eldorado prior to getting the nod as the starting QB.

Since stepping in, Korbin, along with a stout defense, has led Eldorado to a 4-2 record and four straight wins. The varsity debutant has accounted for 1,160 yards and 15 total touchdowns.

“I’ve taught him well. He’s doing good,” Kevan smiled. “I love watching him. It’s great what I’ve taught him.”

For the humble freshman, he wishes he and his brother were still on the field together, rather than the circumstances that threw him into the spotlight.

“But I had to fill in for that spot,” Korbin added. “I had to do the job for everybody else.”

Kevan’s season-ending injury last year helped him understand how he can help his team even though he’s not suited up this year. After the most recent injury, Kevan immediately took to more of a coaching role because of his unfortunate experience.

“Last year was pretty hard,” Kevan continued. “But this year, it was a little easier teaching them and them doing so much for me.”

That leadership has helped Kevan’s younger brother thrive.

“He’s been really supportive through all of it, teaching me still,” Korbin regarded of his brother.

Kevan’s selflessness has caught the eye of his head coach, too.

“I’ll tell you what, I can’t tell you how much I love Kevan Covarrubiaz,” head coach Michael Johnson said. “I wish that guy was out here leading us. But that’s the type of leader he is. He’s on the sideline and he’s still coaching, he’s still loving, he’s still making this team better.”

As a head coach, Johnson is a realist. While he wants his kids to succeed and maybe go on to play at the next level, he knows part of his job is shaping teenagers into upstanding young men. Part of doing that is helping guide his players through adverse times, such as the one Kevan has gone through the last two years.

Because of that mindset, Johnson says it’s been “something special” to watch Kevan lead his team from the sideline.

“Honestly, I’m excited to get Kevan back next year,” Johnson added with big grin.

Eldorado travels to Christoval Friday looking to secure the outright district championship.