Photos by Randy Edens

    The Pearland Oilers advanced to the 5A Division I state semifinals last year as a result of several players coming up with big plays during the season and in the playoffs.
Since All-State running back Fozzy Whittaker had firmly committed to Texas, the recruiting eyes were focused on quarterback Sam Proctor, center Steven Kenney, and a few others.
    However, there was a junior defensive back who was drawing attention from Division I schools. That player was Nicholas Saenz who began to make a name for himself when he came up with two huge interceptions against evential 4A Division II state champion La Marque.
    Late in the fourth quarter with the Oilers clinging to a 24-14 lead, the Cougars were driving against the Pearland defense. The La Marque quarterback launched a pass to midfield to All-State wide receiver Joseph Florence. As the ball came down to the 6-6 receiver, the 6-foot junior Nic Saenz came up under Florence with perfect coverage and snared the ball for his second interception of the game that sealed the victory for the Oilers. It proved to be the only loss for the Cougars in 2006 on their way to the 4A state throne room.
    But that play only served as an introduction for Saenz as he fielded a game-saving interception against North Shore in the second round of the playoffs that snapped a four-game losing streak against the No. 5 state-ranked Mustangs to give the Oilers a stunning 21-14 victory at Reliant Stadium.
    North Shore drove the ball to the Pearland four-yard line early in the fourth quarter. On third down, the Mustang quarterback rolled right and tossed a soft pass to an open receiver for a sure touchdown. But Saenz used his quickness and hands to snare the ball in front of the enemy receiver in the end zone for a touch back. That would be as close as North Shore would get as thousands of Pearland fans celebrated the incredible win.
    Saenz would also come up with a clutch interception against Cy-Fair in the end zone to shut down a scoring drive. He would finish with nine picks to tie for the top spot in the Houston area while earning All-District 24-5A and All-Greater Houston first-team honors.
    Saenz visited the UH campus and gave his non-binding verbal commitment to head coach Art Briles. Saenz also had received offers from Northwestern, Rice, and the Air Force. He was also being closely watched by Kansas State, Texas A&M, TCU, and Virginia Tech.
    "I got to check out the education center and the facilities," Saenz said. "I was really impressed and wanted to commit. It has everything I could ever need."
With his senior year approaching, Saenz can now concentrate on his final year in a Pearland uniform with his college future secure.