This is the one.

East Aurora’s Jonathan Ortiz knows that’s the case because he can see the big picture.

While results in the won-loss column haven’t gone quite as well as planned, the two-way senior starter at running back and linebacker understands what looms ahead for the Tomcats.

Friday night’s rivalry meeting with West Aurora serves as a playoff game. East Aurora’s struggles haven’t stopped Ortiz, who has emerged as a key player, from exploring career possibilities.

“My plan since I went to high school was to go into welding and go into the Navy,” Ortiz said. “The military has played a big part for my family. I know how to weld, but I’m looking into going into underwater welding. It’s very challenging.”

The 5-foot-6 180-pound Ortiz has met every challenge this season for East Au

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