Abalos runs against grain

Alex Abalos learned as a kid to keep moving those wheels as the running back if he wanted to progress.

As a teenager, Abalos left Fresno and went to Costa Mesa for another chance to move his legs on a football field, for a chance to change his life.

Grades and gangs battered Abalos off the field in his freshman year at a high school in Fresno.

In trouble, Abalos said his mother, Maria Cuenca, called her sister in Costa Mesa for a change of scenery for her son. Once Monica Cuenca agreed to take in the nephew before his sophomore year, off he went.

With his parents 260 miles away, Abalos has lived with Monica and uncle Brian Hood. The transition from the Central Valley to being closer to the Pacific Ocean hasn’t been so beachy.

In order to earn the starting running back job at Estancia High in his senior year, Abalos has overcome a lot. Many times, Abalos said he stood in his own way.

He had to adjust to a new way of life.

He had to follow new rules to stay out of trouble.

He had to go to continuation school to get an opportunity to attend Estancia.

He had to improve his grades to stay eligible.

He had to change his friends to stay on track.

Abalos believes all of the challenges were worth it.

Last week, the hard work resulted in a breakout performance. Abalos rushed 15 times for 193 yards and two touchdowns.

Unlike many of his teammates, Abalos’ parents weren’t there to see him. There was a lot to cheer that night when Estancia defeated host Buena Park, 33-14.

Abalos scored twice on tosses, taking one 71 yards and another 55 yards to the house. He also scored on a 45-yard screen pass.

“You feel lonely,” Abalos said.

After the game, as he said he always does, Abalos informed his parents of his grand night. He sent Maria, his father Anthony Abalos and stepfather Ruben Mendoza each a text.

They told Abalos they planned to make the four-hour, one-way trip and attend one of his future home games.

“I just [texted] I had three touchdowns,” Abalos said. “They were like, ‘Oh, get us video.’ They didn’t believe me.”

You can count Coach Mike Bargas as one who didn’t have faith in Abalos before he took the field as a junior.

Abalos was embarking on his first full year at Estancia after spending time at Back Bay/Monte Vista, a continuation school. Abalos appeared on his way, taking a full course load for a shot to attend Estancia midway through his sophomore year.

Then Bargas ran into Abalos in a physical education class.

“The first day I tossed him off the football team,” said Bargas, adding Abalos wasn’t dressed appropriately for class. “I told him, ‘This may not be for you.’ He was hanging out with the wrong crowd. The kids he was around weren’t your stellar [students].

“Out of 25 kids who try to come out [for football] from P.E. class, maybe three will make it.”

Abalos turned out to be one of the few.

Joining the program wasn’t easy. Bargas put Abalos on probation for three weeks.

Bargas said every football player has to buy the team’s spirit package, which comes with a T-shirt and shorts. If Abalos followed Bargas’ rules, showing up on time, working hard, the coach allowed Abalos to be a part of the team.

“You get to buy one,” Bargas said he told Abalos of the spirit package.

Abalos put in the time and received a start in Estancia’s season opener last year.

Forced to played wide receiver and cornerback because the team’s single-season rushing record holder was on the team, Abalos watched Carlos Mendez run for most of the season.

On the junior varsity team, Abalos ran the ball. He played two games during the week, one the day before the usual Friday night varsity game.

“Physically it beats you up,” Abalos said of the schedule. “I didn’t mind.”

At 5-foot-5 and 160 pounds, Abalos was grateful for the chance to play again.

As much as he focuses on football, Abalos said school is a higher priority.

“I want to be more than just an athlete,” said Abalos, whose dream is to return home after high school and attend Fresno State.

Abalos’ best friend still lives in Fresno. He plays the same position as Abalos on the field.

Abalos said the two are a lot alike, except for one major thing.

“He’s 17 and he already has a baby boy,” Abalos said. “Sometimes I think what could’ve happened [to me if I stayed in Fresno]. I’m really glad that I got like a second chance to get back on track.

“I’d really like to thank [my aunt and uncle] for taking me in. I wished they knew how much I appreciate them.”

The way Abalos moves those legs they see how far he’s advancing in the game of life.