Brownstown Central senior loves battling in trenches

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Since he started playing football in the fifth grade, Robbie Branaman has competed at almost every position on the gridiron.

Even in his years at Brownstown Central High School, Branaman has filled a variety of roles over the past four years.

He has played almost every position on the offensive and defensive lines, linebacker and in the dime.

In his senior season, he made one last switch to help the team.

“I started out as tight end and defensive end,” he said. “Now, I’m the left offensive tackle and defensive end.”

Branaman started his football career in the 56ers program in Brownstown.

“I love that it is a contact sport,” Branaman said. “It has been a part of my family for years. My dad (Richard) played for Seymour, and my brother (Darrell) played here (in Brownstown). I’ve just always loved the sport. Darrell basically taught me to be very aggressive. He liked to be very aggressive. Dad has talked more about what I needed to do and when on the lines.”

This season, Branaman has proven a force in the trenches.

“D-end is really simple,” he said. “All I basically do is attack and read the guy over me. Offensive tackle, you don’t get much glory. You protect the quarterback and everyone else who is running the ball. (The offensive line) helps get touchdowns, and that is what is most important.”

Branaman has 27 total tackles through six games this season, including one sack and a team-high eight tackles for losses.

In his final season, Branaman has thrived in a leadership role.

“Every year has been awesome. I love being a senior now,” Branaman said. “In the beginning of the year, a lot of the team didn’t learn the plays. As a senior, I felt that it was really important to be a leader and make sure they care. The team has potential to be really good, but if they don’t care enough, we won’t be successful.”

Thus far into his football career, Branaman said his favorite memory is the regional championship from 2016.

“I wasn’t a main part of the team, but I was on kickoff and kickoff return,” Branaman recalled. “That was just an awesome game. I loved being a part of it.”

The senior has big expectations for the remainder of the 2018 season.

“I expect us to win conference,” Branaman said. “I would really like to go on and win sectional, regional and maybe even state.”

In the spring, Branaman will return to the track and field program.

“I will probably do the 4×400 relay again and maybe the 4×100,” Branaman said. “I’m not sure other than that. Those were my main two last year. We have almost the exact 4×400 team as last year, and last year, we made it to regional. I’m hoping that we can do it again. We need to work hard and improve on our times.”

After high school, Branaman plans to go to Purdue University to pursue an engineering degree.

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Name: Robbie Branaman

School: Brownstown Central High School

Parents: Richard and Kristi Branaman

Siblings: Darrell and Ryan Branaman

Sports: Football, four years; track and field, four years

Athletic highlights: Football sectional champions, regional champions and Mid-Southern Conference champions

Organizations: Lettermen’s Club, Christian Club, National Honor Society, Brownstown Christian Church youth group

Plans after high school: Attend Purdue University for engineering

Favorite food: Fettuccine Alfredo

Favorite TV show: "Mythbusters"

Favorite musician: Ed Sheeran

Favorite movie: "The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers"

Favorite team: Brownstown Central football

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