GIL GOT SECOND CHANCE, HELPING BEARCATS GET THEIRS

Some are viewing Saturday’s Class 3A state championship game at Little Rock’s War Memorial Stadium as a second chance for the Bearcats. That is fair.

But, if anyone on the Bearcat roster knows anything about second chances, it is Frank “The Tank” Gil.

Gil played for the Bearcats throughout junior high but exited the program before entering senior high.

“I missed a lot of practices. Stopped showing up, because I was lazy,” Gil explained.

After the disappearing act – hard to do for someone 6’ 6” let alone the 440 he was weighing in at as recently as this summer – Gil was miserable.

He did play basketball but he big heart really belonged to the pigskin.

“My whole sophomore year I watched all the games, wishing I was there, when (head) Coach (Doc) Crowley offered me a second chance, I had to be there,” said Gil. “I’ve been to every practice since then.”

His coaches have noticed, and are glad they welcomed Gil back.

“He’s honestly a kid that I thought might not ever make it, but he completely changed his work ethic and has been a tremendous asset to this football team,” said Crowley. “He practices every day and his attitude has been unbelievable.

“I’m so glad to see Frank having success, he’s such a great kid with a huge heart.”

Through back under Friday night lights, playing time for Gil as a junior was limited, so last summer he went to shedding weight. He was at 380 on Thursday.

“Bearcat offseason is pretty tough but it’s definitely where you want to be,” said Gil.

Consequently, his playing time has increased to the point he makes regular appearances on the defensive line.

“Frank has done a tremendous job getting himself ready to play and contribute for his senior year,” said Crowley.

Gil is a nose guard to be specific, employed to, quite obviously, clog the middle of the field.

Though he has worked himself down by 60 pounds, the best way to move him is almost exclusively with a double team.

A double team will not lend itself to racking up high tackle counts but it frees up linebackers and other teammates to clean up any given play and he was in the right spot to recover a fumble against Drew Central in the opening round of the playoffs.

The other way to move Gil has been the illegal chop block, of which he has been a victim multiple times.

“That’s the only they could beat me. They can’t beat me man-on-man. No way to keep me out,” said Gil.

In one game it happened on consecutive plays and officials felt he was too hurt for a third straight down.

“That one hurt my knee pretty good,” Gil said. “(The referee) said you need to get off the field. I guess I was limping pretty bad.”

It might have been tempting for coaches to make room for Gil on the offensive but he insists he is better suited for defense.

“Defense is what you want, you can get away with anything. Nothing dirty or anything. On offense they’re looking for any little thing to slap your hand. On defense you can do whatever to create havoc,” said Gil.

Again at that size – an XXXXL and in 79, the largest lineman number possible, but also one his father and grandfather wore – you tend to notice things but then Gil is accustomed to remarks about his size. It comes with the territory.

“It don’t bother me really. I’m not one of those people who takes everything to heart,” said Gil. “I’m not going to get offended or anything. I’ll laugh with you or something like that. Unless someone sits there and over and over and over (makes comments.).”

While at a comfortable playing weight now, Gil said his future plans will need him to lose even more.

“My plan is to cut more weight and join the Marine Corps,” said Gil. “I’ve got to get down to 250. I have until next August.”

While the Bearcats are about as old school as you will find in today’s high school football, Gil’s “Frank the Tank” nickname has nothing to do with a film.

“My dad (Ismael) gave that to me in little league and it kind of stuck,” he said.

Gil is the oldest of four boys, including seventh grade Bearcat football player Anthony, first grade Miguel, and Leo, who spends his days in Gil’s mother Yolanda at the daycare she owns.

Gil’s school day, like a lot of seniors, is abbreviated. He has JAG classes – he is employed at SONIC – as well as statistics and English classes.