Freshman starting quarterback Amad Bradshaw takes the snap versus Harlan, Brooks looksed impressive in their win over Harlan.
I picked Brooks to finish last in the Illini-Heartland Conference Pre-Season Rankings. I also picked Harlan first in the Illini-Land of Lincoln Conference Pre-Season Rankings. Now that the season has started and that Brooks beat Harlan 35-22 in a non-conference game at Gately Stadium on Friday, I may have to eat those pre-season rankings. Brooks looked impressive and Harlan seemed a but shaken.
I came into the game expecting to see Avery Dunlap (jr) of Brooks play, one of the fastest running backs in the city. But after the game started, a Brooks fan told me that Dunlap decided not to play football this year and opted to play soccer instead. So with their starting running back from last year not playing, I thought for sure Brooks would be sunk. Instead, Brooks found a more than adequate replacement for Dunlap in junior Jonathon Stelley. Stelley, is quick, elusive, and good. Harlan could not stop Stelley the entire day asn he rushed for well over 100 yards.
Then, Brooks unleashed another weapon in freshman quarterback Amad Bradshaw. It is rare that a freshman starts for a varsity team. But after seeing the arm and athleticism of Bradshaw, I could see why Brooks coaches decided to start Bradshaw. Bradshaw is only 5'9 an d145lbs, but a Brooks coach told me that "he will grow and you willl hear all about him the next 3 years."
Harlan quarterback Tashaun Johnson kept the game close when he scored a 60 yard touchdown run to tie the score at 14-14. But after a Bradshaw to Trent Pittman (jr- WR) TD pass, Brooks got the lead for good at 21-14.
Harlan's Tashuan Johnson (jr, QB) showed his speed in an impressive 60+ yard touchdown run.
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