Brandt’s passing development has Bethany back in semifinals
BETHANY — Sam Brandt knew people were on to him.
As a sophomore, Brandt helped lead the Bethany to the Class 4A state semifinals in his first year starting at quarterback.
It wasn’t always perfect, but Brandt managed to help the Bronchos win a bunch of games using the combination of his running ability and throwing to his receivers who made some big plays.
But once the playoffs came, opponents keyed in on Brandt’s inexperience as a passer. They loaded the box and they sent blitzers.
“We didn’t have an answer,” Brandt said. “And it was because I couldn’t throw the ball.”
Bethany was upended by Ada in the semifinals. Brandt finished the game 5 of 13 for 72 yards and an interception.
“It hurt so much,” he said. “Knowing that we were so close.
“But knowing that. It fueled me.”
Heading into this season, Brandt worked on his passing every day. Working in 7-on-7 drills and throwing more than he ever had. It’s paid off.
The junior has helped lead Bethany back to the Class 4A semifinals with a huge performance against Wagoner last Friday night. He completed 15 of 21 passes for 312 yards and three touchdowns. Brandt ran for three more scores to help Bethany win, 42-35.
For his performance, Brandt is The Oklahoman’s staff pick for Player of the Week.
Two of Brandt’s touchdown passes came when the Bronchos needed it most.
He connected with Lawson Stout for a 26-yard strike midway through the fourth quarter to give Bethany the lead at 35-28. Wagoner responded to tie things up, but Brandt wasn’t done.
“He was on the sideline leading the guys,” Bethany coach Jon Arthur said. “He was telling them, ‘Get ready, we are going to go score right now.’”
Brandt delivered, heaving a 71-yard bomb to Stout to give Bethany the lead for good.
Brandt praised his offensive line and wanted to make sure his receivers got their due praise. But even he knows he’s a different passer this year.
Last year, he threw for just over 1,200 yards and 16 touchdowns with five interceptions at 56 percent over the 2,400-yard mark passing with 21 touchdowns to just three interceptions. He’s completed 65 percent of his passes.
“It feels awesome to see the hard work pay off,” he said. “We feel like we have an offense that can go score anytime. We always have that confidence.”