2024 Mid-Season interview with Braxtyn Q. Brown from Columbia-Montour Vo-Tech, PA.

 

Braxtyn Q. Brown

Columbia-Montour Vo-Tech

Running Back
OLB
Kicker

2025

5”10, 185

Going into the first week of practice, what were your personal goals?

My personal goal was to get 3,000 rushing yards for the season, get better at cutting, have better vision, and go undefeated as a team.

After all of the practice leading up to opening night, what had you learned about your team?

I thought we had great chemistry. This year, when people had made mistakes, our teammates didn’t point fingers, but instead, they reminded others what to do and/or how to do it.

What were your goals for your team heading into practice number one?

Go undefeated and take practice much more seriously than last year. Not that I didn’t take it seriously last year, but being a captain this year, I knew I needed to set an example of what a disciplined player looked like.

Heading into week one after all of the practices were completed, what were the goals for your team, and had they changed as you headed to that first practice of the year?

No goals had changed.

Heading into the game you have this week, you guys are 4-1. Looking at just the wins, which of those teams did you find the hardest to prepare for, and what worried you about them?

Holy Cross. I was worried because the scoreboard wasn’t in our favor last year, losing by 1 point. I felt like they would be the closest to our level, knowing we had previously lost by one point.

Now, let's look at the lone defeat up to this point. What made Morristown so good?

They were quick off the line and could hook us well. Our line had a hard time.
Trying to contain number 4 was hard because of his quickness and ability to cut.

Who has been the best player that you have faced this season, along with the team he played for?

LeLand Wudarski from Holy Cross because his tackles were incredible. He could both give a hit and get really low to wrap up your ankles.

What must you guys do as a team to finish the season strong and prepare yourself for the playoffs?

This past game, our players took a beating. We need to heal up and come back with the same attitude and drive. We need to continue playing as a team, which feels more like a family, and we will get where we want to be.

With this being your final season and almost half of it already going, have you found yourself doing anything different than you have in past seasons?

I am most definitely pushing my body harder. I feel hungrier for the wins. As a captain and a senior, I feel more responsible to keep the team morale. I think most importantly, trying to help keep everyone in the right headspace even when things go wrong.

Of the remaining games, which one are you looking most forward to, along with the reason or reasons why?

Bucktail. We scrimmaged them at the beginning of the season, and it will be a good test to see how much we’ve learned and have grown as a team.

As a senior, have your roles changed as far as being more of a leader? If so, how?

Yes. As a senior, you have more eyes on you, and others look at how you respond to all situations, good and bad. I enjoy being a good example and showing them that even in the times things aren’t going our way, we can remain positive. Where your head is is where you play is going to go, and remaining positive is one of the most important things you can do.

What makes you a good teammate?

My willingness to help others, keeping good morale, and showing others not to point fingers. We do everything as a team, whether it's winning or losing.

What are your plans after high school?

Become a student athlete in college. Finding a college that has a career path is most important to me.

What is your favorite class or subject?

Computer tech, chemistry, and Spanish. I just enjoy learning overall. The way things work intrigue me.

Who are your role models?

There is a young man that I go to church with. I really look up to him. He is an incredible person. His relationship with God inspires me. He also spreads the gospel in a way that you don’t often see a teenager doing.

Owen Shoemaker. He is the person who inspired me to push myself and work hard for my dreams and goals.

One of my friend’s dads, Jerry Bowling. I just recently met him, but I could immediately tell that he was an incredible father. He is very intelligent and is so willing to share his knowledge with anyone willing to absorb it.

Jesus. Because his patience and his love for everyone are exactly the type of people I want to be.

My mother, Danielle Benjamin. She is so willing to help me and sacrifice her time to help me reach my goals. The love she shows me truly is the definition of unconditional love.