Berlin Patch/Subway Athlete Of The Week: Justin Gombotz

Berlin junior running back and cornerback Justin Gombotz has heard a lot of stories about his father Brian's prowess on the football field.

"He doesn't say too much about it but everybody else tells me about how he used to punish people when he was running the ball and was basically a beast," Justin Gombotz said. "I'm smaller than he is so most defensive linemen and linebackers are a lot bigger than me. I'm not looking to run a lot of people over. I just try to read the blocks and make some people miss."

For his efforts on both sides of the ball, Justin Gombotz is the Berlin Patch/Farmington Ave. Subway Athlete of the Week.

Brian Gombotz was an intense, bruising fullback in the mid 80's and held the single game rushing record before it was broken by the likes of Maurice Humphrey and later Max Delorenzo.

Justin is smaller and quicker but no less intense and willing to tote the ball. In Berlin's victory over Tolland, Gombotz rushed the ball 13 straight times, finishing the drive off with a touchdown.

"Justin Gombotz is a hard working student athlete," Berlin coach Jon Capodice said. "He is involved in a lot of our offense running and receiving.  Additionally, he is a doing a great job at cornerback. 

"Yes, everyone remembers his dad as the punishing fullback. Justin's style is more of good spread single back, where he can run the ball, as well as, catch the ball in space. Due to his versatility, we are able to do a lot with him offensively. 

"He is very conscientious in everything he does, and is always preparing for the next opponent - watching film, etc."

Gombotz also is on the indoor track team in the winter and plays baseball in the spring. He is an honor roll student.

"A lot of people doubted us this year but with our schedule, we expected to be undefeated at this point," said the son of Brian and Ann Gombotz. "Northwest Catholic his week will be a good game. I know a few kids on their team. They are a good team but we are practicing hard and will be ready to go."

Gombotz said losing isn't an option for Berlin football.

"Like Coach Capodice said, our goals never really change," he said. "We want to win the CCC championship, then make the playoffs and contend for a state championship. It doesn't matter who we lose to graduation, whoever wears that uniform takes pride and rises to the occasion."

Gombotz said the team is so much better after five games it is hard to tell who they were in that close first game win over East Catholic.

"Everybody has gotten better," he said. "The offensive line has improved a ton. They have listened to the coaches and are working hard to be better every day and every week. With our coaching staff, if we just listen to them, work hard and go out and execute the game plan, we're going to be in good shape."

Gombotz said he has many goals but the long-term one is set in stone.

"I see all these guys go off and be able to play football in college every year and I want to do the same when I graduate," he added. "It looks like such a great experience to be able to play college football at any level that I hope to be able to do it someday."