Senior leader down in front for Braves

September 14, 2017

Brendan Patman doesn’t need the spotlight. He prefers to battle in the trenches with some of his best friends.

The Brownstown Central senior is starting at left guard for the football team this season, moving over from right tackle, which he played last year.

Patman has helped the Braves’ offense to 1,428 yards (357 per game) and 19 touchdowns through four games this season.

The Braves’ offense is putting up 41 points per game in part from solid play on the line.

“I feel like the line is pretty dominant this year, especially running plays when we’re blocking straight up and seeing who can drive harder,” Patman said. “We’re getting good movement off the line.”

The senior said the line is a close-knit group off of the field, which translates to the gridiron.

“We’re all very good friends,” Patman said. “We like to play video games and go out to eat a lot. For the most part, the line hangs out every single week. We like to be together, and I think that connection makes us closer.”

Over the past few seasons, the Braves have prided themselves on solid line play.

“I think it’s the coaches teaching good technique,” Patman said. “The linemen here are proud to be linemen. We don’t want the spotlight or anything like that. We block, and we enjoy doing that.

“You need to be able to communicate with the other linemen, especially with pass blocks. You need to figure out who each person is blocking, and you need to be able to pull and trap people. You need to be quick enough to get across the line and make plays.”

Playing on the line his whole life, Patman started suiting up for the Braves in the 56ers program.

His father, Nathan, also played for the Braves.

“(Dad) has always been really involved with me,” Nathan said. “He has always been able to get me what I need to and been supportive.”

Patman has high expectations for the remaining schedule.

“I expect us to make it through the regular season undefeated,” he said. “I don’t think we’re going to have many problems with that. I think North Harrison and Silver Creek will be difficult, but if we play to our capabilities, we will be all right.”

He credits all of the work in the offseason to the Braves’ success in recent years.

“I feel like our dedication makes us successful,” Patman said. “We worry about football year-round. It’s not just a seasonal sport. We’re always working on our team, even in the offseason. We want to outwork our opponents.

“We lift year-round. We’re always getting stronger. We do running and conditioning to get better. I will also run distance during the winter at my house to work on endurance.”

Patman said he has enjoyed his time at Brownstown Central.

“I’m going to miss the Friday night lights,” he said. “The crowd is always amazing here at home. I think I’m going to miss that the most.”

While he’s unsure if he will play college football, Patman said he plans on studying business, concentrating in marketing and advertising, after graduation.

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The Brownstown Central High School varsity football coaches have announced awards for Friday’s 41-27 win against Salem.

Earning honors are Gus Hogan, Offensive Back MVP; Lendon Underwood, Offensive Line MVP; Jalen Tiemeyer, Defensive Line/Inside Linebacker MVP; Derek Thompson, Defensive Back/Dime MVP; Clayton Barger, Special Teams MVP; Brandon Wilson, Scout Team MVP; Underwood, black jersey winner

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