Barnetts bring double trouble in Junction City
High school football is a big deal in Junction City. It's especially important in the household of the Barnett brothers. Tanner and Tate, who will be seniors next season, have football in their hearts and purple-andgold in their veins.
“Football is huge in the Barnett family. My uncle Curtis started at fullback for the Arkansas Razorbacks from 1959 to 1961,” said Tanner. “We discuss everything. They read the scout sheet, so they know what's gonna happen.”
The Barnett brothers played pivotal roles during the Dragons' run to the state championship game last season. Tanner (6-0, 210), played tight end and fullback on offense and inside linebacker on defense. Tate
(5-9, 210), played H-back and outside linebacker.
“They're both tough, hard-working students of the game,” said Junction
City coach Brad Smith. “They're the team's defensive leaders, both play with wide-open throttles.”
With football being so important, off-season is a big deal for the
Barnett twins. The coronavirus pandemic put a dent in their preparation.
“It cut our weightlifting in half so that hurt us a little bit, but we are almost right where we left off,” said Tate, who said having a brother as a teammate might've helped the training process.
“It could be an advantage because some people like to work out alone and others like someone to push them. In my case, I think it was an advantage to have someone push me to be better.”
He added, “I have a weight bench at home that I worked out on every day during quarantine.”
Tate said he ran an “occasional” 1-mile run. His brother said he put in a little more roadwork.
“Having a brother is good because we got to run together and lift weights together,” said Tanner. “I took this time to get better at cardio. I ran an average of three miles a day and ran a total of 24 miles. I'm very excited to get back with the football boys and it feels amazing to get back into the weights.”
The Barnett brothers bring a physical mentality to the Dragons. Both serve as crunching lead blockers in Junction City's run game. Defensively, they seek out contact as run stuffers.
“I'm a very physical player and love the contact. I love to out-think the offense, get a good read, then blow up the play,” said Tanner, the older twin. He said having a brother beside him on defense sparks a natural connection.
"It's an advantage because Tate knows the plays and he gets me. When I call a blitz, I can count on him to know it and do it.”
Tanner added, “On the field we really connect and a lot of the times we think the same. Off the field we do everything together and have a really good relationship.”
The brothers insist COVID-19 was just a small setback for them. It's just more fuel to a fire that's been raging since the loss to Fordyce in the state championship game.
“Losing the championship didn't feel good at all, especially for the seniors,” said Tanner. “The Redbugs have what's ours and we are gonna take it back this season.”
The ultimate goal of winning a state title is the same for Tate, who also hopes to lead the team in sacks. Basically, the brothers are just itching to get back on the field in full pads so they can hit something … anything.
“Football in our house is big,” said Tate. “We watch football 24-7, and I had an uncle who played O-line for the Arkansas Razorbacks. My parents always ask us about the game and what to expect.”