Argyle S Sager Zamzow

What he did: Zamzow had 18 total tackles, 14 solo tackles, one tackle for loss and one pass breakup in Argyle’s 59-42 win over Prosper Walnut Grove in the Class 5A Division II Region I semifinal on Friday afternoon at Choctaw Stadium. The defensive back helped Argyle advance to the fourth round for the 12th time in the last 21 seasons. Argyle (12-1) will play for the Region I title at 7 p.m. Friday.

Who is he? Zamzow is a 6-2, 195-pound safety. He is in his third year on varsity and is a captain this season, which he described as “the biggest honor ever.” Head coach Todd Rodgers said Zamzow is a “big safety that can play down in the box and stop the run.” With his athleticism, the senior can also defend the perimeter. “He’s a great effort guy,” Rodgers said. “For him to have that many tackles in the game just speaks volumes to the amount of calories he burns during the game and the amount of effort he gives.”

The stats: The defensive back has recorded seven or more tackles in Argyle’s last three games.

He said it: “I know, especially this year more than ever, the bond that you create with your teammates when you go through hardship and go through trials is just something that’s going to last forever. So, I really do it for the guys, and just enjoying my senior year and knowing this is the last year I’m going to play football.”

Coach said it: “He’s just a joy-filled kid that kids really migrate to. I just leaned on him pretty heavily because he’s got the heartbeat of the team, and he’s just got a smile on his face, a lot of joy every time you talk to him. He absolutely loves football and loves being on the football team.” — Rodgers

Did you know? Zamzow loves the environment at Argyle. He said during football season, football becomes your life. It’s constant film, weights and practice. Oh, and then another practice. Sometimes, especially early on, it can be overwhelming, and players are often challenged. In a 77-35 win over Abilene Cooper on Nov. 21, Zamzow said he didn’t play the way he wanted to. He wasn’t getting off blocks the way Argyle had practiced. “Everything wasn’t working,” Zamzow said. “And so I told myself, ‘You can either let that affect you and let that lead into this next game, or you can work your butt off and make sure it doesn’t happen again.” Well, he didn’t let it happen again. Zamzow spent Monday through Thursday learning the game plan. Then he spent the first half of Friday feeling the nerves that come with a playoff matchup. But the rest of the day leading up to the game, he reminded himself it was just that — a game. All he needed to do was have fun. And 18 tackles and a playoff victory later, Zamzow had fun.