Saginaw Boswell freshman quarterback leading way for underclassmen

In his first 10 seasons as head coach at Saginaw Boswell, John Abendschan had never been a part of a season like the one the Pioneers are having in 2016.

Boswell has been hit with the injury bug this season, but the Pioneers are getting valuable playing time from reserves, replacements and fill-ins in hammering out a 2-0 record in District 6-5A.

One of those players thrust into action is freshman quarterback Brayden Thomas, who entered the season at No. 6 on the depth chart.

In just his second career game on varsity, Thomas threw for 334 yards and a school-record six touchdown passes in last week’s 59-35 defeat of Haslet Eaton.

“I’ve been really impressed with him, his poise and willingness to work,” Abendschan said.

Thomas began the season as the starter on the freshman team and helped them to a 3-0 mark before getting a promotion.

“If we kept freshman records, I’m sure he set it there,” Abendschan said. “It wasn’t a choice, but I sat down with both parents and they were comfortable with it. It’s a family deal, and the parents have been great and supportive.”

In his first game, against Azle two weeks ago, Thomas threw for 222 yards and two touchdowns as the Pioneers won 17-14.

“It’s been fun watching him. Every day he comes in and wants to learn a little bit more, and he’s a film junkie. He’s writing the book on how to act coming into a situation like this with a strong senior class and earning their trust,” Abendschan said.

“Our motto is rise up. It’s pretty amazing and cool to watch a freshman and what he’s been able to do and I’m blessed to have him.”

Aledo cubs

You can never count Aledo out in any football discussion. The Bearcats are looking for their sixth UIL state football title in the past eight years.

They are off to another great start at 5-0 and 2-0 in District 6-5A, locking down the No. 2 spot in the latest AP Class 5A state poll.

Freshman Jase McClellan stepped into the running back role and has done nothing but produce.

In a Week 2 win over California school Westlake Village, McClellan had his first 100-yard rushing game, going for 101 and scoring four touchdowns.

McClellan has rushed for 100 or more yards in his past three games. For the season, he has a team-high 387 yards rushing on 63 carries and seven touchdowns.

On defense, sophomore Brannon Webb has a team-high 35 tackles and three interceptions. Sophomore Wyatt Harris is second with 31 tackles, and sophomore Colt Ellison is tied for the team lead with four sacks.

Oakridge QB

Arlington Oakridge sophomore quarterback Carson Welch came into this season with two career pass attempts.

This year, Welch has thrown for 1,149 yards through six games with 13 touchdowns on 125-of-245 passing.

Against Fort Worth Country Day last week, Welch threw for a school-record 392 yards. He was 28-of-46 passing with four touchdown passes.

Other soph stars

▪ Caleb Leake, North Crowley: The quarterback ranks 13th among area players with 1,090 yards passing and has 11 touchdowns to just one interception. Against Cleburne on Sept. 9, Leake threw for 348 yards on 29-of-47 passing and six touchdowns.

▪ Quinton Jackson, Fort Worth Benbrook: He had his best game yet against Bridgeport last week with 37 carries for 208 yards and three touchdowns. This season, he has 585 yards rushing, eight touchdowns and four 100-yard games.

This story was originally published October 3, 2016 at 8:06 PM with the headline "Saginaw Boswell freshman quarterback leading way for underclassmen."