Brownstown Central senior middle linebacker thrives in leadership position

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Growing up, Luke Shelton stood on the sidelines as his father, Trent, helped coach the Brownstown Central High School football team.

Always around the sport, Shelton grew to love the intricacies of the game.

He started playing the fourth grade, and is now in his senior season with the Braves.

“I’ve had a passion for football for a long time,” Shelton said. “I’ve grown to love the game, and everything that’s involved with it. There’s a lot of teamwork and pride. It’s a family.”

Shelton plays middle linebacker and offensive tackle for the Braves. He said this is his second year at the defensive position, and that he has played different positions on the offensive line since his sophomore year.

The senior prefers to play on the defensive side of the ball.

“I like playing defense a lot more. You get to fly around and you have your own reads,” Shelton said. “You have to trust that your teammates will execute. Everything just kind of falls together. On offense, I like reading the defense and knowing what the responsibilities are of how they react to shifting.”

This season, Shelton has focused on improving his leadership with the defense.

“You have to be able to call out the defense and make sure that everyone is in line and knows what they’re doing,” he said.

Through three games, Shelton is tied for the most tackles on the team with 19 (six solo, 13 assists). The Braves’ offense has 1,358 yards and has scored 147 points with Shelton on the line.

This spring, Shelton plans on trying out track and field.

“I think I could be successful in throwing,” Shelton said. “I’m very close to the coach, since he’s my linebacker coach, too. He has been recruiting me, and I figured I would give it a try.”

Shelton has enjoyed being a part of BCHS athletics.

“The tradition here is amazing,” Shelton said. “We have a very successful program. Being able to work hard, and trying to be able to keep that, makes it special.”

Shelton said that athletics have taught him lessons he will use for life.

“Knowing how to work hard. Worth ethic is really big in anything you do in life,” he said of lessons learned from football. “I value that very much.”

After high school, Shelton plans on studying physical therapy.

“I want to stick with something where I can help with sports,” Shelton said. “I want to keep sports in my life for as long as I can. I also like the challenge of helping other people and getting them back to the best they can be.”

Outside of sports, Shelton is involved in multiple organizations.

“The community gives so much to me, so I would like to give back to the community,” Shelton said.

He said that he’s also considering playing football at the next level.

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Name: Luke Shelton

School: Brownstown Central high school

Parents: Trent and Beth Shelton

Siblings: Addie and Drew Shelton

Sports: football 4 years, basketball 3 years, baseball 3 years, track and field 1 year

Athletic highlights: All-County football 2017, BC Most Improved Lineman ’16, 4-year letterman, regional champions (football) ’16.

Organizations: National Honor Society, Fellowship of Christian Athletes, Booster Club, Letterman’s Club.

Plans after high school: study physical therapy

Favorite food: sushi

Favorite TV show: The Office

Favorite music genre: hip-hop

Favorite movie: Talladega Nights: The Ballad of Ricky Bobby

Favorite athlete: Brian Dawkins

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The Brownstown Central High School varsity football coaches have announced awards for Friday’s 48-8 win against Eastern (Pekin).

Earning honors are Derek Thompson, Offensive Back MVP; Dane Darlage, Offensive Line MVP; Jalen Tiemeyer, Defensive Line/Inside Linebacker MVP; Braden Neal and Matthew Bell Defensive Back/Dime MVP; Brian Murphy Special Teams MVP;  Joseph Wayt Scout Team MVP; Luke Shelton, Bell, black jersey winners.

Brownstown’s junior varsity (2-1) fell to Pekin 22-6, and the freshman team (1-2) lost to New Albany 46-12 on Saturday.

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