For youth football players across the country few honors compare to being chosen for the 2025 AYF 8th Grade All Stars, a showcase for the best of the best. For Mario Luna better known as Torta Power this moment marked the culmination of years of grit dedication and dominance in the trenches. The talented lineman from Ensenada Mexico earned his place among the elite as he took the field in Orlando Florida from December 8 through 14 2024 during NFL Pro Week in one final youth football ride before starting his high school journey at Orange Lutheran High School.
The Heart of the Line: A Mexican Lineman Making History
Mario’s journey is one that inspires many young athletes especially linemen who often don’t get the spotlight they deserve. Coming from Ensenada Mexico a place better known for its beaches and seafood than for producing youth football stars Mario fought through every challenge proving that greatness doesn’t care where you come from. With unmatched footwork raw strength and a relentless motor he established himself as one of the most dominant youth football linemen in the country.
His nickname Torta Power reflects both his Mexican roots and his larger than life personality on and off the field. Known for bulldozing defenders and opening lanes for running backs Mario exemplifies what it means to be a lineman the quiet warrior who does the dirty work so others can shine.
One Last Youth Football Ride: AYF All Star Week
Being selected for the AYF American Youth Football 8th Grade All Star Game is no small feat. Only the very best 8th grade players from across the United States earn this opportunity to represent their communities and showcase their skills on a national stage. Youth football at this level demands more than just size it requires technique intelligence and heart qualities Mario displayed throughout the week.
Held during NFL Pro Bowl Week in Orlando Florida this all star event isn’t just a game. Players participate in practices skill challenges and community activities while learning what it takes to compete at the highest levels of youth football. For a lineman like Mario it was a chance to battle the best in the trenches and show he belongs with the nation’s elite.
A Glimpse Into the Future: High School Football at Orange Lutheran
As the final whistle blew in Orlando Mario closed an important chapter in his youth football career but a new one is just beginning. In fall 2025 he’s set to attend Orange Lutheran High School one of the most respected football programs in California known for producing top tier linemen and sending players to the college and professional levels.
The skills he honed through his youth football journey quick hands explosive drive off the snap and mental toughness will serve him well as he transitions to the rigors of high school football. And as always he’ll continue representing his family his hometown of Ensenada and linemen everywhere who dream big.
Why This Matters: The Power of Youth Football and Linemen
Linemen are the foundation of every football team. They don’t always get the stats or the headlines but every coach knows games are won in the trenches. Players like Mario Luna are proof that with hard work and heart even young linemen from small towns can rise to the national stage.
For youth football players especially aspiring linemen Mario’s story is a reminder keep grinding embrace the grind and always believe in yourself. Opportunities like the AYF All Stars don’t come easy but they’re worth every drop of sweat.
Final Thoughts
From the dusty fields of Ensenada to the bright lights of Orlando and the promise of high school football at Orange Lutheran Mario Luna aka Torta Power is a name youth football fans and linemen everywhere should remember. His selection to the AYF 8th Grade All Stars is not just a personal achievement but also a celebration of the hard work spirit and resilience it takes to play in the trenches.
Congratulations to Mario on this incredible milestone. Here’s to his next chapter and to inspiring more young linemen to chase their dreams one block one snap and one play at a time.