For Gladbrook-Reinbeck senior, Bradon Trepp and his buddies... they've backed it up.
So while Mama Janet made sure that Stewart Photography was well aware that her son needed a plethora of outdoor images to fit his personality, she had to know the session might go another direction.
As in a gridiron type direction.
Oh sure, we did our job... We kept our promise. A quick glance through Bradon's book tells a person that well over three-quarters of it is outdoorsy images for our future agricultural science major needed.
But while the images show one thing... what we TALKED about behind the scenes was something completely different.
And no one around the communities of Gladbrook and Reinbeck will be surprised.
In a football season that will be one remembered in Rebel lore for all time, Bradon and his teammates have written an amazing story. And the best news?
It's not over.
After stubbing their toe in game one against a solid club two classes larger and a few key injuries working against 'em, the team that Bradon starts every offensive play for from the center position has run off eleven straight wins.
Eleven.
A quick glace at the Rebel results and it doesn't take long to appreciate the video game type numbers they've put up. In one four game stretch during the season the cumulative numbers result in a gaudy tally of G-R 201, The Unfortunates 7.
It wasn't like this was totally unexpected. The Marshaltown Times-Republican's annual high school preview edition featured Mr. Trepp and his four offensive linemen colleagues on the front cover of the special tab. Inside its cover, the current group of players for the blue and silver spoke of high expectations for themselves... measuring up against a 2004 team that many of these boys grew up watching and idolizing.
While I can't be for sure, I'm guessing there's a whole new grew of elementary school aged boys running around Gladbrook and Reinbeck, that are now dreaming of being just like this group.
Just like the 2004 state-runners up, Bradon and this edition of Rebels have navigated their way to the UNI-Dome. An undefeated run through district play has been followed with three impressive playoff victories including a 28-6 triumph over undefeated and perennial power, Pekin of Packwood to fulfill the goal of getting back to the Dome.
Bradon and I talked lots about what a blessing this type of season is. How these memories will last forever. And how, God willing... the expectation and inspiration for ANOTHER generation of young men that look up to he and his teammates... is now set.
Like I mentioned, the story has another chapter or two to written yet, however. One of the teams that got in the way of the aforementioned 201-7 steamrolling four game stretch earlier in the season was Denver High School. The Cyclones were dispatched 43-0 in week four by G-R, and to their credit have navigated their way back to the Class A State Semifinals. Granted, at this point, neither team is the same as they were in week four. However, call me crazy, but I'd rather be on the forty-three end of that previous score than on the ZERO end.
Just sayin.
I have no doubt that my bros, Bradon, Bryce, Jeff and Logan (and their biggest fans, Elise, Baliea, Jenny and Brady) will not be taking ANYONE lightly this time of year. A beatable opponent is all that stands in the way between the boys in blue and silver and a shot at football immortality.
Working at Oak Leaf Golf Course in Reinbeck and dreams of chasing that ag science degree will have to wait for now. At 10 a.m. Friday morning, when the Rebel offense takes to the turf for the first time, Bradon will get it all started with yet another perfect snap... just like he's be doing since his sophomore year.
I was told earlier this week that I've been adopted by Rebel Nation as an honorary member, and I can't tell you how excited I am for your communities. Thanks to all of our G-R clients for a wonderful year of support of our small business.
Best wishes to the whole community as you chase down your dreams. I believe.
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