Brisco Wins Group AA Player of the Year Honor
It was a disappointing 2006 season that became the ultimate motivation for the player that goes by the nickname "Catch 29". Sherando's Markeith Brisco could have soured on football, his team, and his coaches after he rarely played as junior. Instead he hunkered down and worked harder. All summer long Brisco put in hour after hour in the weight room with the hope that in his final year, he would receive one more chance. When that chance was offered by head coach Bill Hall, Brisco didn't disappoint. Hall rewarded Brisco by making him the "go-to" back in the 1st game of the season, after he impressed everyone in practices and scrimmages. However, it is safe to say that even Hall didn't expect Brisco to light up opposing defenses like he did in 2007.
In an already explosive offense, behind prolific quarterback, Ross Metheny, Brisco quickly became a force to be reckoned with for every opposing defense the Warriors faced. His play on defense was impressive as well as he forced offenses to steer clear of his hard hitting style, and blanket pass coverage at the cornerback position.
Brisco was a true leader for the 2007 Warriors, as he helped his team to their 2nd consecutive undefeated regular season, and continued to be a force in his team's quest for a Division 4 state title.
On the offensive side of the ball Brisco amassed 1,726 yards on 221 carries. He averaged 132.8 yards per game and his 26 touchdowns led all Group AA running backs in Northern Virginia. Add in his receiving and kick off return yardage, and he averaged 159.5 all purpose yards per game. Brisco added 23 tackles and 4 interceptions from his defensive back position, and teams did their best to stay away from his side of the field.
When the post-season started, Brisco raised the bar yet again, averaging 154.5 yards per playoff game. He scored 5 touchdowns to help Sherando win the regional championship and make their first appearance in the state title game under Hall.
Brisco's finest post-season performance came against Park View in the regional championship game. After that evening, anyone who didn't know of Markeith Brisco received a formal introduction. Brisco picked off 3 Patriot passes, virtually shutting down the Park View prolific offense and helping his team to a 38-0 route. Brisco added impressive numbers on offense as well, running for 239 yards and 3 touchdowns, including a highlight reel 60 yard scamper in the 1st half.
It's safe to say that Markeith Brisco made a name for himself in 2007, but you will never hear him touting his accomplishments. All year long Brisco was always quick to credit his teammates for the team's successes, staying stoically humble throughout. It is arguably true that Brisco was but a single cog in the football machine that was the 2007 Sherando Warriors, joining such standouts as Metheny, Hoopengarner, Derek Crosen, Brian Barlow, Joey Christine, and A.J. Bakos, to name but a few. But Warrior fans remembered the 2006 season and how it ended prematurely in the first round of the playoffs. It's hard not to think that Brisco was in fact the X-factor, and the major reason the Warriors were two quarters from a state title in 2007.
Choosing the one player that deserves the All Gameday Player of the Year Honor is usually quite difficult, but not in this case. Brisco's story is one that should inspire every player who has ever encountered adversity along the way. He proved that if you work hard and continue to be a team player, good things will happen. For the Warriors, the best thing that happened for them was Brisco never gave up hope, and they have 13 wins in 2007 to prove it.
