They say the more things change, the more they stay the same.
In 2023, that notion is very true with the Eastside Blazers.
When Alyx Brandewie got the Eastside job last spring, it left a lot of people surprised by the decision. It even led some people to question this hire. It’s easy to look at his record at Manchester – 8-21 over three years – and wonder why.
This season is a perfect example of not judging a book by its cover.
Despite having to fill huge shoes in both the leadership of former coach Todd Mason and some very talented departed players that include Carsen Jacobs and Dax Holman, Eastside overcame a 1-2 start and found its way to win its fifth straight NECC Small School Division title, a school record.
How remarkable has this run been for Eastside? Only the school’s two-time state champion softball program has been able to win a conference championship five years in a row. The softball team won six straight conference titles from 2001-2006.
Last Friday, Eastside dominated an improving Central Noble squad 43-7 to finish divisional play at 4-0. When asked about this game, Brandewie was simply grateful for what this season has brought to him and the team.
“It was a good night for our kids, parents and community,” Brandewie said. “Our players and coaches worked very hard this past week because we felt strongly that if we played Blazer football, we would have a solid chance to win an NECC Small School division championship.
“From the moment I got hired, our players, coaching staff, parents and community have embraced and supported me. It was really rewarding to be able to celebrate (last Friday) on the field with all of those people.”
Brandewie credited the seniors as a huge factor to this season and winning that game last week. Seniors Dane Sebert, Joey Eck and Ashton Bendel not only had “fantastic games up front,” but they’ve been a fixture all season in helping continue the winning tradition.
Earlier this season, Eastside’s offense was restricted to being a power run-based scheme with little involvement from the passing game. That has changed over the past month or so with senior quarterback Wyatt Davis getting more and more comfortable with the power spread offense.
Since September 8, Davis has completed 60 percent or more of his passes in every game with four TD passes, no INTs and a rushing touchdown. It’s nothing fancy by any means, but it’s mistake-free football that is giving Eastside opportunities to win every night.
Sophomore Linkin Carter has experienced a break-out season at running back rushing for 955 yards on 120 carries and 12 touchdowns. It’s an offense that, while run heavy, has proven that throwing the ball is an option they can rely on.
As the season has progressed, not only has the offense gotten more comfortable, but a young defense has shown major improvements.
“Defensively, our ability to defend the pass was really tested for the first time against Central Noble and our kids did a fantastic job,” said Brandewie about Week 8. “We know that in order to have a postseason run, we’re going to have to be able to defend the run and the pass.
“This season has been a terrific example of what can happen when a group of kids work their tails off, fight through some growing pains and start playing their best football at the end of the season.”
Since allowing 41 points to West Noble, the defense has allowed just 5.6 points per game with two shutouts in their last five games. But alas, preparation for the state tournament has begun and there’s no better way to get ready for sectionals than a tough home game against Angola (1-7). The Hornets defeated Garrett 18-13 last week to come into this game with a lot of momentum.
When asked about the Hornets, Brandewie admires the type of opponent they are as not only the NECC’s largest school but a program with a lot of potential.
“Watching Angola on film, I would agree with the sentiment that they are a better team than what their record says,” said Brandewie. “They have some darn good football players and they certainly present some challenges. We’re going to need to be a disciplined on defense to slow down some of the option stuff that they do, and on offense we’re going to need to play with physicality.
“It’s a great test for us before we get into the tournament to have an opportunity to compete against a 4A program that is coming in with a bit of confidence after their first win of the season.”
In Class 2A 35, Eastside drew Wabash at home as a first-round matchup. The Blazers have played Bishop Luers every year in sectionals since 2019 and there’s a high likelihood of them clashing again in the second round.
Be the first to comment