Brooks Dazzles in Season Opener; Defeats Harlan 40-0
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I visited one of Brooks’ team workouts around the same time we found out that Illinois’ season would be suspended due to Covid-19. At the time, there was a lot of uncertainty surrounding high school sports, and with their season…
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Continue ReadingI visited one of Brooks’ team workouts around the same time we found out that Illinois’ season would be suspended due to Covid-19. At the time, there was a lot of uncertainty surrounding high school sports, and with their season in jeopardy, they could have easily packed it in. But this special group of athletes didn’t let politics deter them from putting in the work and getting better. Passion, comradery, and a true love for the game stood out the most while attending their workout.
Fast forward seven months and that same passion, comradery, and love for the game were on display as Brooks would go on to defeat Harlan 40-0 in their season opener this past Friday.
Two touches were all it took for Cam Pickett to break the game open and show why he should be regarded as one of the top prospects in the ’22 class. Pickett set the tone early by returning the opening kickoff for an 86-yard touchdown. On Brooks’ first play of their next offensive drive, Pickett took a 20-yard screen pass to the endzone to put Brooks up 14-0; and from that point on, the rest was history.
Brooks scored their next points on a safety as Jamareon Dale rushed off the edge to drop the ball carrier in their endzone to put Brooks up 16-0. The following possession was capped off by an 8-yard touchdown pass from Reggie West to Steve Sweeten to give Brooks a 24-0 lead heading into the second quarter.
While Brooks’ offense was putting up points, their defense only allowed a grand total of 4 positive yards the entire game. Brooks’ defense played inspired as a collective. They were swarming to the ball, and every tackle was a gang tackle; at times, it looked like they had an extra two defenders on the field.
Reggie West would throw two more touchdowns in the second half to Chidiebere Anale (37-yards) and Mark Belin (38-yards) to put the icing on the cake in what would be a dominant performance by the Brooks Eagles in their Public League season opener.
This game was an all-around collective effort by the players from Brooks; because of that, I couldn’t pick one player to be recognized as the player of the game. Instead, I’ll highlight eight players who I feel had noteworthy performances.
*Click the red link to view players’ highlight*
Mayon Lowery | LB | ’21
Lowery is the leader of Brooks’ defense and it showed throughout the game. He’s a tackling machine who consistently found himself around the ball. Scrapes down the line well and takes good pursuit angles to put ball carriers on the ground.
Highlight- Mayon Lowery tackle
Mark Belin | WR | ’21
Belin played well on both sides of the ball and capped off his stellar performance with a 38-yard touchdown in the 4th qtr.
Highlight- Mark Belin TD Reception
Chidiebere Anaele | ATH | ’22
Chidiebere is a phenomenal athlete who can get it done on both sides of the ball. He was dominant on defense and even contributed on offense with a 37-yard TD reception.
Highlight- Chidiebere Analele Big Hit
Steve Sweeten | ATH | ’21
Sweeten spent most of this game at receiver, but his coach mentioned that he’s used as a QB in Brooks’ two-quarterback system. At wideout, he showcased his ability to get open and run after the catch.
Highlight- Steve Sweeten TD Reception
Reggie West | QB | ’21
West finished the night throwing three touchdown passes to three different receivers.
Highlight- Reggie West back-shoulder TD pass
Jamareon Dale | RB | ’22
Dale is a shifty RB with great vision and a prospect you’re going to want to keep an eye on; a tough runner who ran the ball well all night.
Highlight- Jamareon Dale Run
Darius Jordin | OL/DL | ’21
It was a productive night for “Big D.” Collapsed pockets, created running lanes, and protected his QB the entire game.
Highlight- TFL
Cam Pickett | WR | ’22
2 touches for 2 touchdowns. Cam Pickett really showed that he’s the cream of the crop when it comes to prospects in Illinois’ C/O ’22. His recruiting should blow up after this season.
Highlight- Cam Pickett Kickoff Return TD
Brooks (1-0) is back in action this Thursday, April 1st, as they host Public League powerhouse Phillips Wildcats (0-0).