Brashear out to control its own destiny this season

By: Andrew John
Friday, August 23, 2024 | 6:01 AM

After having a winless season in 2022, the Brashear Bulls improved by winning two games last season, which has provided a launching point for their upcoming season.

Last season, the Bulls (2-7, 1-3) won in back-to-back weeks with a 52-24 victory over Carrick and a 26-24 win over Perry in overtime. Brashear coach Andrew Moore was impressed with the different fashions the Bulls won their games.

“It was refreshing, especially coming off of the previous season where we were winless. We were itching to get those wins. We won those games in two different ways,” Moore said. “As a leader of young men, we are always preaching overcoming adversity. We thought it helped them grow just as young men and create a positive outlook on the season.”

The Bulls will have two of their running backs returning this season – senior Xavier Primus and senior Michael Holloway.

“We are getting better by being more disciplined. We are practicing every rep like it’s a game rep. We are trying to get better to do what we need to do to win games,” Primus said.

“We need to take it game-by-game. It’s a slow process. We need to make sure we do what we need to do to win each week.”

The run game will be bolstered by the return four of five starters on the offensive line, led by junior guard Aries Bey.

Manasseh Garner will take over as the Bulls offensive coordinator. Garner is a Brashear and Pitt alum who saw action in the NFL.

“It will be based upon how well the kids in the lineup can execute certain types of things,” Moore said. “Some of the nuances that we have in on offense will change. We are trying to become more creative with creating more opportunities for our kids.”

Last season, the Bulls finished in a three-way tie with Allderdice and Perry for the final two playoff spots in the City League playoffs. However, Brashear lost on a coin-flip. This season Brashear looks to make sure it’s not left out of their control.

Brashear was shut out in four games – Baldwin, Butler, University Prep and Jersey Shore.

“We want to put ourselves in a position to control our own destiny,” Moore said. “We’ve been talking about that all offseason. We want to take care of our own business and we don’t leave the decision of us getting into the playoffs on the hands of the presidents. What we mean by that is by being in a coin flip like last year and odd team out. Unfortunately, that ended our season in league play.”

Junior Gary Lee will return at safety to headline the Bulls defense.

If Brashear hopes to be more competitive this season, Moore believes the team needs to focus on its effort when it comes to tackling.

“We need to tackle,” Moore said. “It was an Achilles heel for us last year. It was something we tried to drill in practice, but it didn’t translate to gameday. It’s a want to. Guys who tackle are those who want to tackle. Our lack of ability to tackle created an avalanche for everything else.”

The Bulls will have Cornell, Butler and Redbank Valley on their nonconference schedule.

Brashear

Coach: Andrew Moore

2023 record: 2-7, 1-3 in the City League

All-time record: 264-205-8

SCHEDULE

Date, Opponent, Time

8.24 Cornell, 1

8.30 at Butler, 7

9.6 at Westinghouse*, 7

9.13 Carrick*, 7

9.19 Allderdice*, 7

9.27 at University Prep*, 7

10.4 Perry Traditional Academy*, 7

10.11 at Redbank Valley, 7

* Conference game

FAST FACTS

• Since Brashear’s inception, the Bulls have the second most City League championships with 11.

• In his NFL career, Garner signed with the Kansas City Chiefs as an undrafted free agent. Garner spent time with Cleveland, Buffalo, Denver and Washington.

• Last season, the Bulls scored 30 points in their seven losses.

Tags: Brashear