The Spartans have been able to remain within reach of the top spot in the Western Athletic Conference, and Gonzalez is one big reason why.

In a defensive battle last Wednesday, Oct. 9, the junior led Lathrop (10-1 WAC, 16-2 overall) with six tackles, three pass break-ups and an interception that was return for a touchdown on the first drive a pivotal showdown with visiting Ceres. The pick-six was a difference-maker in the 27-22 win.

Gonzalez also led the defense two days prior with seven tackles and two pass deflections in a 46-6 blowout against Grace Davis.

“Great student-athlete with a 3.75 GPA,” Lathrop coach Randy Baltazar said. “She has a good understanding and feel of the game. Her vision and anticipation skills are getting better every game, and she continues to ask questions.

“Angie wants to win and wants to do well and wants to do it for her teammates. She’s an ultimate competitor on the field, and an amazing student-athlete off the field.”

Coming into the week, Gonzalez had 60 tackles, 3.0 sacks, three tackles and 10 pass break-ups for the season.

The Spartans have won six straight since losing to unbeaten Livingston, the sixth-ranked team in the Sac-Joaquin Section, according to MaxPreps. The rematch is today at Livingston.