Oscar Rios is Downey High's go-to guy in key moments

When the Downey High football team has the ball and is trailing, coach Jack Williams holds his trust in one student: 17-year-old quarterback Oscar Rios.

They left too much time, Williams said Rios told him after Long Beach Millikan took a six-point lead with less than three minutes to go on Sept.

6.

And when Rios tossed a game-winning touchdown with 14 seconds left, the Purdue commit turned to his coach to remind him.

I told you, they left too much time, said Rios, his sixth touchdown of the game giving Downey a 69-68 victory in thrilling fashion.

Some might call him cocky, while others might say its confidence, but regardless, the junior has emerged as a top Southern Section quarterback in 2024.

Rios has 16 total touchdowns and has Downey at 4-1 after a 35-32 loss Friday to unbeaten Mesa (Ariz.) Red Mountain ahead of Gateway League action.

Rios effort on the field comes from his heritage, he said.

His father is from Sinaloa, Mexico, while his mother a Panamanian American was raised in Compton.

Rios said he wants to represent Latino athletes on the biggest stage possible.

I turn on the game, theres not many Latino people out there doing it big in sports, Rios said.

Especially in football in the NFL you see nobody out there.

Thats what drives me every day.

Im trying to make the Latino community proud.

Rios takes advice and calls from former Downey quarterback and current Michigan State signal caller Aidan Chiles.

Some recruiting experts believe Rios is already further along with his passing ability than Chiles during his junior year.

Williams said Rios leadership has blossomed over the last year in his second as a starter leading with selfless play his teammates look up to.

Hes taking more pride in his offense, Williams said.

When things arent working, he takes it upon himself.

He blames himself, regardless if its a blown offensive line scheme, or our receiver dropping the ball, hes the one thats taking the blame.

At Downeys practice Tuesday, with defense and offense on opposite sides of the field, a defensive player ran to the sidelines grasping his collarbone after an awkward fall.

Rios darted from the opposite end zone and was already by the injured Viking players side moments later, checking in on his teammates health.

Thats the type of leader the 6-foot-3 slinger is, Williams said.

He arrived at Downey after Chiles left for college.

He wasnt guaranteed a starting role when he joined the Vikings after transferring from Orange High.

He was a backup quarterback on youth football teams growing up and during his freshman year at Orange.

Rios knows nothing is guaranteed competing from behind is what he is used to.

It solidified his mentality on the field and during practice, Rios said.

I was always the backup, Rios said.

I dont want anybody better than me.

Im not sitting around saying Im the best, but on the field, my mind is always no ones better than me.

I have got to work harder, 10 times harder than everybody.

And when Downey is down, Rios is ready to have the ball in his hands.

Whatever time we have left on the clock, he said, theres no saying were not going to score..

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