LANTANA – Santaluces has an impactful player who can make plays on offense and special teams.
Israel Marion has proven to be one of the team’s most productive players this past season and on this spring’s football circuit. We will recap the 2023 season first, following by the 2024 spring action.
In 11 games this past season, Israel recorded the following:
OFFENSE
•34 catches, 559 yards, 12 total touchdowns
•27 rushing yards
SPECIAL TEAMS
•2 kickoff, 96 kickoff return yards; long of 76 yards
OVERALL
•682 total yards
BEST INDIVIDUAL GAME: Week 4 at John Curtis (La.) in 55-21 road loss
•2 catches, 56 yards, 1 touchdown
•6 rushing yards
•2 kickoff returns, 96 yards; 84-yard kickoff return for 1 touchdown
•158 total yards; 2 total touchdowns
The 5-foot-9, 160-pound spoke on how the John Curtis game and overall experience in Louisiana went for him.
“It was a great experience,” Marion said. “I’m just thankful that I was able to do something like that in high school because it’s a lot of people that never played an actual game out of state. That trip is something I’ll always remember. It’s probably one of my best high school games. We didn’t win, but like I said, I’m thankful to even take that trip.”
Marion reflected on how his junior year turned out with Santaluces.
“I feel like I had a great season,” said Marion, who made a transfer move from Spanish River to Santaluces in the 2023 offseason. “I transferred in before the beginning of the season. I came in and I knew there was going to be a lot of dogs there. I came there with my head on straight. I feel like my season could have been better, but it is what it is.”
At this time, Marion has an offer from UMass. But he is hoping to gain some more offers over the next few months ahead.
“I feel like I’m a little slept on right now,” Marion said. “But I’m gonna start making some noise towards the season.”
The spring football circuit ended in a great way for Marion. As Santaluces earned its 38-6 home win over Miami Killian on Friday, May 17, Marion posted 132 receiving yards and two touchdown coaches in the outing.
“I had a good spring game,” Marion said. “I played both sides of the ball. Only let up one completion. Had some good blocks also on offense. But more importantly, I’m just glad we won the game. And knowing the fact I was able to help my team out and get the win meant a lot because no matter how good I am, I’m not bigger than the team.”
Marion made sure to shout out Chiefs head coach Hector Clavijo and assistant coach Samuel Putmon for making his experience as great as possible.
“Very, very great guys,” Marion said. “They do everything they can for the school, everything they can for me. They look out for me.”
Putmon returned the favor by looking out for Marion with his own commentary on him.
“Israel is probably the most underrated WR in Palm Beach County,” Putmon said. “But if you turn on his film, his talent and playmaking ability jumps off the screen.”
The summer offseason and upcoming fall season looks to be a great one for Israel in more ways than one. We are looking forward to see how it all unfolds for the Santaluces star.
“Just got to compete and show up,” Marion said. “I’m gonna wake everybody up.”
PHOTO CREDIT: Shotfromcloud9 (Instagram)
VIDEO CREDIT: Eastcoastexposure (Instagram)
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