Friday, April 19, 2024
Wesley Brown has taken some lumps in his high school career, but as a senior he’s ready to turn the Gatesville Hornets’ fortunes.
“He’s a great example of a leader,’’ Gatesville head coach Luke Howard said. “He leads in workouts and in the weight room. He’s the type of player that you want the ball in his hands in key moments.’’
Brown stands tall. He is 6 feet 3 inches and 200 pounds. He’s not the fastest player, but he’s one of the smartest.
In the season opener against Llano, he rolled up 311 yards of offense and had two short touchdown runs to give the Hornets a positive start to his third varsity season.
It was the team’s first opening day win since 2017.
Brown picks and choses his way through defenses.
“We don’t have those really big guys up front to roll over people,’’ Brown said. “I try to read my blocks and make the right decisions.’’
His longest run went for 24 yards against the Llano Yellow Jackets. He averaged 5.6 yards a carry.
The main thing, he played within the parameters of the offense. The old “take-what-they-give-you approach.’’
His right tackle is Evan Hanson.
“He and I have been together since we were sophomores,’’ Brown said. “He’s a good one to run behind.’’
The Hornets offensive line is still a work in progress, but they held up enough to allow the Hornets to make enough big plays in the home opener.
One play that worked well was a 51-yarder to senior Logan Edwards.
It was a simple pitch and catch in the flat that Edwards turned into a big play. Edwards was stopped just short of the goal-line.
“Everybody gave him a hard time,’’ Brown said after watching film. “It was good to see the big boy get to bust one.’’
Brown followed Edwards on the play, throwing up his index finger for a No. 1 salute.
Brown took the ball in for the touchdown on an ensuing snap. It’s a routine that he hopes to repeat often this season.
The team picked up four wins last season with senior Luke Mullins taking the reins at quarterback. Last year, Brown played linebacker for the Hornets. This year, he’s starting at quarterback. Banner Allman is also getting some snaps at quarterback.
The combo should the Hornets’ playcalling some diversity.
Brown carried the ball 24 times for 134 yards against Llano. He completed 12 of 17 passes for another 177 yards.
Brown’s consistency will be key. The team’s big play potential has shown on both sides of the ball. That keeps the team’s goals in their focus.
“We definitely want to make a playoff run this season,’’ Brown said.
