Brandon Austin may start every game under center for the Parklane Academy Pioneers this season, but don’t expect the senior quarterback to be throwing the ball very often.
In fact, if opposing defensive coordinators were smart, they’d consider Austin more of a running back.
That was the position from which Austin saw most of his action last Friday night, and one that brought undeniable results.
Austin had his breakout game for the Pioneers last Friday when he rushed 19 times for 165 yards and a touchdown in Parklane’s 16-0 blanking of Centreville Academy.
Not bad considering he wasn’t even a quarterback last year. The effort earned Austin the Enterprise-Journal’s Player of the Week honors.
Austin also threw for a touchdown in the Pioneers’ win, but it was his fleetness of foot that got everyone’s attention.
“We knew Brandon was a play maker,” Parklane head coach Bo Milton said. “That’s why we put him at quarterback.
“Brandon’s done everything we’ve expected him to do,” Milton added.
The senior signal-caller, however, gave all the credit to offensive linemen Matt Ngo, Zac Adams, Jacob McCarty and Austin Sanders.
“They did great last week,” Austin said. “I didn’t need to find the holes. They came to me last week. They were easy to see, they were so big.
“Without (the offensive line),” Austin added, “we would have gotten killed.”
Austin was named the Pioneers’ starting quarterback prior to the regular season. The decision came after last year’s starter Steven Swindle transferred to Oak Grove when his father, former Southwest Mississippi Community College women’s basketball coach Mark Swindle, resigned to take the same job at the high school.
“It’s been a pretty easy transition,” said Austin of his move from his position as slot receiver last season. “I was excited that I’d have the chance to run the ball more, just not so much about the throwing part.”
There hasn’t been much to worry about thus far.
In the Pioneers’ first two games, Austin has attempted just six passes, completing two. One of those completions went for a 10-yard touchdown to flanker Jordan Taylor in last Friday’s win over Centreville Academy.
“We’re not much of a passing team,” Austin said. “We’re more of a powerhouse team. We get to run over people.”
Milton said that could change as the season progresses and Austin gets comfortable with his new surroundings.
“He’s getting better in practice,” Milton said. “We don’t have a reason to throw a lot right now. Our receivers probably don’t appreciate that, but it could change as Brandon gets better throwing the ball.”
Austin shares his coach’s confidence in the entire team.
“I don’t expect us to lose another game,” he said. “We’re playing so well right now and we’re going to get better each week.”
