Following two victories against the Sequoyah Chiefs and the Dawson County Tigers, the Lambert Longhorns are starting off the season with a 2-0 record. These wins can be largely attributed to the explosive defense and consistent offensive line.
Branson Brooks, junior and star inside linebacker, has been an integral part of Lambert’s defense this season. He has 15 total tackles in this season so far, and he is not slowing down any time soon.
“I study my film and know my assignments,” Brooks said. “I know everybody else’s assignments so I can help them out, and it’s just a lot of reactions and making plays.”
Brooks feels confident in his defense and the relationship that the defensive players have formed.
“We’re still settling into our defense,” Brooks explained. “We’re finding our personnel, and we’ve started bonding and meshing together.”
Brooks credits his improvement from last season to Coach [Dustin] Heard– third year Defensive Coordinator for the Lambert Longhorns.
“Coach Heard has helped me a ton,” Branson said. “He has taught me everything I know and I always give him credit. He’s done so much for me and so much for the team.”
Brooks is intrigued by the prospect of the new quarterbacks as well as how the offense will grow and develop throughout the season.
“I’m most excited for the quarterbacks,” Branson explained. “I’m excited to see how it plays out.”
In the first two games of the season, the Lambert offense has scored a total of 90 points, while only giving up 46 to both opponents combined. An important part of this success can be linked to the offensive line.
Daniel Uwakwe is the only Senior on the offensive line this season. The young offensive line was a concern going into the 2023 season.
“There were many doubts because we lost three starting offensive linemen,” Uwakwe explained. “I feel like the new offensive linemen this year like Bryce [Shoemake], Dylan [Biehl] and Chase [Kaufman] stepped up big time. They went out and executed, and I think they did it with the best of their abilities.”
Uwakwe is one of two returning offensive linemen this season, and he is able to act as a leader and mentor to the new additions.
“I try to push them as much as I can,” Uwakwe said. “I have to be a role model. They aren’t as experienced, but they have so much potential to develop. I think when we put our mind to it, we can do anything.”
Uwakwe emphasized the importance of the offensive line and their contribution to the success of the Longhorns so far.
“The offensive line has to protect and assist the quarterback as much as they can,” Uwakwe said. “At the end of the day, if the offensive line isn’t on point, then the quarterback won’t be on point.”
The Lambert Longhorns’ next game will take place on September 1 at 7:30 p.m. at Mountain View High School, and the Longhorns are hoping for another non-region win.
