BY JIM MISUNAS
Great Bend tight end Colton Brack is a throwback to a different era.
The 6-2, 190-pound Brack lines up at tight end, but often shifts to the backfield as an H-back who keys the running game.
“They’ve put me In the backfield, and I’ve rolled with it,” he said.
He’s accustomed to setting the edge, and blocking whoever comes his way. He blocks linebackers, defensive ends and defensive tackles.
“I like blocking the linebackers,” he said. “It gets tricky when I get to block the big guys on the line. It’s like hitting a wall, but I’m up to the challenge.”
Brack and the Panthers’ offense must be productive to match Salina Central’s multi-faceted offense. Quarterback Jack Gordon has thrown for 2,071 yards and 22 touchdowns and scatback Elijah Wilson has rushed for 1,361 yards and 18 touchdowns.
Brack said defenses scheme where he goes, which opens up counter plays for tailback Cody Miller (813 yards, 10 scores) and quarterback Daxton Minton (437 yards, six TDs). Sometimes, Brack is used as a decoy.
“Coach Beck said defenses key where I go,” Brack said. “But we figure out for me to play one side and run the other way. We want to attack them where they are weakest. Coach Beck is really good at calling plays.”
Brack said foes have gained respect for Miller’s hard-charging style.
“My favorite play is our outside zone game because it works so well,” Brack said. “Cody is a great zone runner. He reads my block and is a fantastic running back.”
Brack enjoys being part of the passing game.
‘I’ve made a living on my ‘stick route,’ where I sit in the green grass,” he said. “My favorite pass play is when I slip out the backside and Daxton throws it back to me across the formation.”
Brack enjoys running after his catches.
“If I catch a pass, and you’re in my way, I’m going over you,” he said. “I want the defense to think, ‘I don’t want to tackle him.’"
Panther football coach Erin Beck rewarded Brack for his hard work by granting him a backfield run against Ulysses. In true Brack style, he gained 10 yards.
“Coach Beck said, ‘I’d feel bad if you never got to run the football in your career. I’ll throw one in there.’ I’ve told coach we need to go back to that play.”
Brack believes the Panthers are primed for a playoff run.
“We’re happy to play Salina Central after what happened last year. We’re ready to go,” he said. “We see a good playoff run.”
Brack has enjoyed the journey by the senior class that didn’t win a varsity game their first two years.
“We’ve been together playing football since fourth grade,” he said. “We’re close friends. It’s been an amazing experience.”
Brack got his grit and determination from his father who played college football at Hutchinson Community and Fort Hays State.
“By sixth grade, I’ve been in love with playing football,” he said. “I’ve always wanted to live up to his expectations. It’s an adrenaline rush out there.”
