Bailey Brogan earns varsity spot

As any sports season progresses, certain players stand out for their skill and leadership abilities. These athletes are foundational to the development of the team throughout the season.  Other members of the squad rally around the presence of such an asset. Even in his first year playing on the football team, senior Bailey Brogan has shown promise as a player with these qualities.

In his two positions as wide receiver and safety, but especially as a safety, Brogan feels he can contribute in a useful way.

“Although the season hasn’t really started in full swing yet, we have played some scrimmages in which I was able to lead in the defense.” Brogan said. “I was able to make two interceptions, which pleasantly surprised me. Hopefully I am able to carry that talent over to a real game”

Football coach Mick Fuller looks forward to Brogan’s growth this year, commenting on his progress in both the physical and mental arenas of the game.

“Bailey brings a good deal of athleticism and sports instinct to the field.” Fuller said. “Although he has not played ball in several years, he understands both the strategic and tactical aspects of the game. He has a positive encouraging attitude and seems to be blending well with the team. Bailey is maturing and has the personality traits to be a great leader.”

Brogan remarks about his favorite parts of the sport, especially emphasizing the physical nature of playing on the football team.

“Football is a dynamic sport, and has a lot of physical contact, which is obviously very enjoyable.” Brogan said.”Tackling is fun, and the play designs are interesting to me. I like the way that knowledge of the sport and skill are both important for a player to be effective.”

Like any skill, proficiency in football doesn’t come in a day. Brogan remembers first learning the sport from his dad, Kevin Brogan.

“We picked up every sport we could to keep him (Bailey) busy,” Kevin said, “He just had a natural knack for catching a football. Then when he started to run, he showed that he had some speed, and we started talking up to him about different types of sports that he would be good at, and football was one of them. I’m excited that he chose to play in his senior year, so that he didn’t have the regret of not playing, like his dad did.”

On any football team, the quarterback plays a leadership role. Senior quarterback Tyler Breedlove remarks about Brogan’s abilities on the field.

“Bailey makes plays on defense and offense,” Breedlove said, “This makes him a leader on the team. He steps up and makes the play when he needs to.  He will make a big impact this year I think.”

An active sport such as football is guaranteed to generate many dramatic stories of success and defeat. Already, even just from practice, Brogan relates his favorite moment so far from the year.

“I chased down a receiver who was making a break for the end zone, and caught up with him at the ten yard line.” Brogan recalls. “I tackled him so hard that he cried. That was definitely a highlight for me”

The team hopes to overcome last year’s heartbreaking loss in the championship game versus Kings Christian.

“Last year’s team lost the valley championship by one touchdown,” Brogan said,” and obviously this year the team’s goal is to get to the same place, but to win. Also, as a personal goal on top of that, I hope to improve in team chemistry and become a better team player. This skill applies later in life in jobs and things like that. I hope to learn life skills from the game of football.”

The football team is currently 1-1 overall, and are heading off to San Juan Bautista to play the Anzar Hawks. The game will begin at 7 p.m. where the Eagles will hope to take the win in hopes of winning the valley championship game which was taken away from them last year against the Kings Christian Crusaders.

This author can be reached via Twitter: @Andrew_Mooooore and via email: [email protected]