Weslaco, TX (KRGV) — A Weslaco High School football player is battling leukemia during what was supposed to be his senior season on the field.

Vicente Gonzalez played defensive tackle for Weslaco High School. Last year, a torn ACL kept him off the field.

This summer, he was back practicing with his team. But his father, Benito Gonzalez, said the family never expected what they learned next.

Vicente had leukemia.

Benito Gonzalez described his son's initial feelings about his health before the diagnosis.

"He said, ‘I don't know if it's my knee, but I don't feel strong enough. I am not sure if I am going to make it through the year,’" Benito Gonzalez said. "I told him I supported him 100%, but let's take you to the doctor, and we'll see what it is."

Vicente went to Corpus Christi the next day to get treatment. Because of a weakened immune system, he is now taking virtual classes at home.

Weslaco High School Head Football Coach Roy Stroman worked with Vicente all four years of high school.

"He’s one of our better defensive tackles. Those defensive tackles are built different; they live tough. They are in the trenches, and they are fighting every single play, and I know that's what Vicente is going to be doing," Stroman said. "Just like he is in the trenches, he is going to be fighting every single day."

The team rallied behind Vicente's family to help with medical expenses.

"We sold water for a dollar, and they came up with $2,500. One of our alumni matched it, and one of our female coaches donated another $1,500," Stroman said.

Their efforts raised $6,000 for Vicente.

"I have no doubt in my mind that he will overcome this and he is going to beat this," Stroman said.

Benito Gonzalez said the support has meant everything to his family.

"The village got together with whatever they could help with; it all made a difference," Benito Gonzalez said.

Weslaco High School football players plan to keep hosting fundraisers to continue helping Vicente's family.

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