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Quiet heroes: those that were less visible
BY BILL HARVEY
The selection of four Calhoun Sandcrabs to the 4A All-State Team —Moises Samayoa, Jeremy Boyd, Bryan King and Esteban Martinez-- and a journey through three steps in the playoff bracket speaks of the extraordinary football season that the community, players and coaches enjoyed. Perusing the names of All-State and All-District selections, I was reminded of the contribution that Brandt Boone made to the “Shock the World” season of 2006 and how his quiet contribution had been instrumental in the success of that team. Looking back over the season past, it seemed to me that there were a number of Brandt Boones on the 2008 squad, quiet heroes whose contributions were perhaps not as visible, but worthy of note. Here is my list:
Tim Hicks and Lupe Briseno
Everyone expected that Bryan King would have an outstanding year but his two teammates in the middle of the defensive line where virtually anonymous. So buried in the middle of the chaos that surrounds the snap of the football that they disappear in the mass of humanity that converges at the line of scrimmage, Tim Hicks and Lupe Briseno played their hearts out on a defensive line that was the foundation of the Sandcrabs defense. Utilizing a defensive strategy that depends on these three interior linemen to create tackling opportunities for linebacker, Hicks, Briseno and King were the generators of the tackling opportunities that helped both Jeremy Boyd and Alex Trevino have outstanding seasons.
Daylan Bubenik
A transfer to Calhoun, Daylan Bubenik had to learn a lot of football in a short period of time, both as a running back and as a safety. Bubenik shored up a defensive backfield that lost three starters to graduation and was called upon to field punts, kickoffs and run the ball. His return of a punt return for a touchdown in the Beeville contest was perhaps the single biggest play of the season.
Lucas Haynes
Lucas Haynes’ performance in the playoffs was quite simply outstanding. Option offenses rely on blocking from receivers and Haynes stepped it up several notches when the chips were down. In addition, his two big catches against Edcouch-Elsa were instrumental in that victory. Now, if someone could only show him how to put his baseball cap on straight…..
Colton Williams
Colton Williams was one of those guys—whether on the sidelines or on the field—whose voice of exhortation never wavered. Relegated to special teams early in the year, his play was so impressive that he was promoted and he became a force on kickoffs and punts. His tackle and forced fumble versus Ray, though nullified by a penalty, was characteristic of his determination to make the big play. After being injured, Williams would still walk the field prior to the games and along the sidelines during the games “talking it up” to his teammates.
Brandon Sanders
If ever there was an example of working hard to be ready when your opportunity comes, it is Brandon Sanders. Running the offense in practice, repetition after repetition, and holding for place kicks, he was selfless and strived to make the most of his ability. Called upon to run the offense in the second half of the Pflugerville Hendrickson playoff game, Sanders was thrust into about as difficult a situation as a player can be handed—and he performed brilliantly.
So there you have it, the unsolicited 2008 “Brandt Boone” award winners: Great kids who had a great season and perhaps flew just a wee bit under the radar.
Tim Hicks and Lupe Briseno
Everyone expected that Bryan King would have an outstanding year but his two teammates in the middle of the defensive line where virtually anonymous. So buried in the middle of the chaos that surrounds the snap of the football that they disappear in the mass of humanity that converges at the line of scrimmage, Tim Hicks and Lupe Briseno played their hearts out on a defensive line that was the foundation of the Sandcrabs defense. Utilizing a defensive strategy that depends on these three interior linemen to create tackling opportunities for linebacker, Hicks, Briseno and King were the generators of the tackling opportunities that helped both Jeremy Boyd and Alex Trevino have outstanding seasons.
Daylan Bubenik
A transfer to Calhoun, Daylan Bubenik had to learn a lot of football in a short period of time, both as a running back and as a safety. Bubenik shored up a defensive backfield that lost three starters to graduation and was called upon to field punts, kickoffs and run the ball. His return of a punt return for a touchdown in the Beeville contest was perhaps the single biggest play of the season.
Lucas Haynes
Lucas Haynes’ performance in the playoffs was quite simply outstanding. Option offenses rely on blocking from receivers and Haynes stepped it up several notches when the chips were down. In addition, his two big catches against Edcouch-Elsa were instrumental in that victory. Now, if someone could only show him how to put his baseball cap on straight…..
Colton Williams
Colton Williams was one of those guys—whether on the sidelines or on the field—whose voice of exhortation never wavered. Relegated to special teams early in the year, his play was so impressive that he was promoted and he became a force on kickoffs and punts. His tackle and forced fumble versus Ray, though nullified by a penalty, was characteristic of his determination to make the big play. After being injured, Williams would still walk the field prior to the games and along the sidelines during the games “talking it up” to his teammates.
Brandon Sanders
If ever there was an example of working hard to be ready when your opportunity comes, it is Brandon Sanders. Running the offense in practice, repetition after repetition, and holding for place kicks, he was selfless and strived to make the most of his ability. Called upon to run the offense in the second half of the Pflugerville Hendrickson playoff game, Sanders was thrust into about as difficult a situation as a player can be handed—and he performed brilliantly.
So there you have it, the unsolicited 2008 “Brandt Boone” award winners: Great kids who had a great season and perhaps flew just a wee bit under the radar.
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crabcrazy wrote on Dec 27, 2008 5:54 AM: