GRIDIRON GLANCE ‘23: Brookesmith Mustangs

August 14, 2023 at 6:30 am Derrick Stuckly

BROOKESMITH – The rebuild continues for the Brookesmith Mustangs, who look to improve on a second consecutive 1-9 campaign in their second season under head coach Jack Graves.

Numbers have improved for the Mustangs, with a dozen players taking part in preseason workouts – a significant uptick from 2022. But with just one senior on the roster, the young Mustangs are again expected to be a work in progress throughout the year.

“We want to build on all the positives we started last year,” Graves said. “We want to keep building on the strength and conditioning program, build on the practice habits. Our biggest emphasis will be working on our teamwork and trying to learn to trust the guy next to me. We also want them to understand the way we carry ourselves on and off the field, and understand the importance of character.”

Key returnees include senior center/defensive tackle Brendan Been, junior quarterback/safety Vegas Gilliam, junior running back/defensive end Adyn Ribble, and sophomore offensive lineman/defensive lineman Landon Slayton.

Regarding the strengths of the squad, Graves said, “They’re very coachable. They want to get better, they want to improve, they don’t want to lose. I see more willingness to work this year compared to last year. They didn’t know how to really work at all last year. They didn’t know how to practice, how to attack the weight room. We’re not where I want us to be, but I see the willingness and want to get better.”

Graves believes the Mustangs’ work ethic during the offseason could be the key to more victories this fall.

“The biggest improvement for us has been in the weight room,” he said. “They’re stronger, and their conditioning is a million times better than it was a year ago. You see more confidence because of those two things”

Pre-district action features games against Mullin, Kopperl, Weatherford Grace Christian, Olfen, Gustine, and Zephyr.

As for the early season goals, Graves said, “We need to keep moving forward. I want to see huge strides not only with more wins, but also with character development and coming together more as a team.”

Awaiting on the District 16-A Division II schedule are Lohn, Richland Springs, Cherokee and Rochelle. The Mustangs are tabbed to finish fourth by Dave Campbell’s Texas Football magazine.

Brookesmith last reached the playoffs in 2020 following a 7-3 campaign.

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BROOKESMITH MUSTANGS 2023 VARSITY FOOTBALL SCHEDULE

Aug. 25 – Mullin , 7:30 p.m.

Sept. 1 – at Kopperl, 7:30 p.m.

Sept. 7 – Weatherford Grace Christian, 7:30 p.m.

Sept. 15 – Olfen, 7:30 p.m.

Sept. 22 – Gustine#, 7:30 p.m.

Sept. 29 – at Zephyr, 7:30 p.m.

Oct. 6 – OPEN

Oct. 13 – at Lohn*, 7:30 p.m.

Oct. 20 – at Richland Springs*, 7:30 p.m.