HAMILTON CITY — Most people from Butte County, Glenn County or the north state associate the “Sanchez” name with Indianapolis Colts punter Rigoberto Sanchez, who graduated from Hamilton High School in 2012. However Sanchez’s younger brother Diego Sanchez has begun to make a name for himself, and has dreams of following in his older brothers’ footsteps.
In two victories to begin the season, Diego Sanchez has thrownb 771 yards and 10 touchdowns, including 474 yards and six touchdowns in the Braves’ most recent 49-20 victory against Berean Christian.
Due to Diego Sanchez’s success to begin the season, he has been named the Chico Enterprise-Record’s Prep Athlete of the Week.
“I think what makes Diego special is his mental processing and vision of the field,” said Hamilton offensive coordinator Tim Bushard. “His arm talent is elite, paired with his ability to throw off platform with accuracy, makes him unique at this level.”
Quarterbacks coach Tyler Rutledge said Sanchez has “tremendous awareness,” but what sets him apart is his accuracy.
Hamilton head coach Aaron Elliot echoed his assistant coaches’ words when saying, “Diego is a special talent. He can make every throw on the field. He has developed chemistry with his receivers and an improved knowledge of the offensive playbook from last year.”
Unlike many quarterbacks who have played quarterback since youth football, playing quarterback is new for Sanchez. He grew up a soccer player since age five, similar to his brother, and started played flag football in seventh grade. He kicked for the team originally, but was convinced to play quarterback in flag football by the senior class who graduated in spring 2023.
“It’s natural, that’s all I can say,” Diego Sanchez said. “I never threw a ball until middle school flag football. I fell in love with it because I was just able to throw it naturally.”
Sanchez said he enjoys making plays from the line of scrimmage and reading the defense, and the chemistry he has with his receivers is key to his success.
“My vision is my biggest strength I’d say,” Sanchez said. “Even if I’m running around the pocket I know where my teammates are going to be because we’ve got that chemistry together after working together all summer.”
One of Sanchez’s most familiar targets is Omar Sanchez, his twin brother who plays wide receiver and defensive back. Diego Sanchez and Omar Sanchez connected for three touchdowns in Friday’s victory, including a 49-yard touchdown on the second play of the game. The two have been working together 5-7 days a week every summer beginning their freshman year.
“It’s a lot from my older brother, but also a lot from us,” Diego Sanchez said. “As a kid in that soccer background, it was 8 a.m. we had a net and I’d set it up at the soccer field and we’d go practice on my shooting.”
Diego Sanchez hopes to continue his football career past the high school level, similar to that of his brother Rigo.
Despite leading the Braves at quarterback his senior season, Diego Sanchez said he envisions himself punting and kicking at the next level. He has not kicked this season for the Braves due to a back injury he sustained in practice, but hopes to be back kicking by the start of Mid-Valley League play on Oct. 6 against Willows if not sooner.
Diego Sanchez said the decision has been hard on what position he aims to play for in college, but he’s had a lot of talks with all members of his family including his brother Rigo.
“It’s a big decision, I’ll tell you that,” Diego Sanchez said. “I enjoy both, but I think I’m most likely going to go with the kicking because I have my brother right there to give me a hand. He has connections as well, but it’s for me to put in that work to get to those connections. I also have more experience with kicking. Most quarterbacks actually start from little league and go from there. They have the experience and mechanics which helps a lot. From kicking I’ve been doing it all my life.”
A fun fact Diego Sanchez said about himself is that he does not eat 4-5 hours before each game, stating nerves do kick in and he has a hard time holding food down. He’s excited for his senior season because, “being my last year. you got to show out. There’s nothing else to do in high school than being able to come out and play under the Friday night lights.”
Hamilton (2-0) now prepares for its biggest test of the season at 7:30 p.m. Friday against Las Plumas at Harrison Stadium in Oroville. The Division IV Braves take on the D-II Thunderbirds.
