A football team is comprised of a few guys who will get a lot of outside of attention because they run or throw for a lot of yards and scores or they catch a lot of passes.
And there are typically a larger number of guys who are also getting a lot of work done that actually clears the way for the backs to do their job.
Or there are players on the defensive side of the ball that spent a lot of time on the field making tackles or stops to ensure the other team’s backs don’t get a lot of production.
This column is where those guys are honored each week. They’re called Brandon’s Beasts.
Jamarion Burns, South Side: He recorded a strip fumble and returned it for a touchdown, which was critical in a two-point win.
Khamyrahn Caldwell, South Side: He helped lead the Hawks’ defense with five tackles and an assist, and two of his tackles were for loss.
Keshun Clark, JCM: The defensive tackle was big all night up front for the Cougars and kept the opponents’ offense from moving the ball consistently.
Alexander Elder, South Side: In a night where establishing dominance up front was critical, the Hawks’ offensive lineman did that and gave his backs a chance to get some space when needed.
Brooks Goff, Jackson Christian: He had three takeaways to stop a dangerous offense with a couple of fumble recoveries and an interception.
Sam McMillan, USJ: The linebacker had 14 tackles to help stop a complicated offense, and he helped on the other side of the ball too in the fourth quarter comeback with four receptions for 52 yards and a score.
Kennan Robinson, Liberty: The senior helped the Crusaders get on the scoreboard when he recovered a fumble and returned it for a score.
Nick Taylor, North Side: The offensive lineman graded out at 96 percent in a big win for the Indians.
Gavin Walker, Jackson Christian: The defensive lineman was a constant force up front for the Eagles, recording four tackles, a forced fumble and a sack.
Compiled by Brandon Shields