The Brusly offense is built on flash behind hard-working seniors: 'Ready to eat'

Brusly senior running back Patrick Gales walked to the gate to meet friends and family after the Panthers’ jamboree win over Parkview Baptist.

Gales’ back faced the field, and under the shine of the floodlights, his backplate became more visible with an image of a barking K-9 and a phrase written across it: "Danger: Beware of dog."

The Nicholls State commit lived up to the words on his back after he found himself all alone on a double-pass play for a 60-yard touchdown against the Eagles last Thursday. Gales is a two-sport athlete with game-changing speed. He made the all-metro team in the 100-meter dash in track and field.

While his speed led to an easy touchdown for the running back, he prefers to use his abilities to help his teammates.

"I don’t like just to go ahead and get the ball," Gales said. "I’m fast enough to where I have the ability to open up the field for my teammates. Whatever I’m doing to lead us to success, I love it."

With the attention Gales drew from the Parkview Baptist defense, it opened up the passing game for senior quarterback Drake Vincent. He found senior wide receiver Darion Bennett, who took off for a 75-yard touchdown. Vincent later found senior wide receiver Marion Irving on a go route that led to a 52-yard score.

"We’ve got explosiveness everywhere," Gales said. "The wide receiver group is nothing but talent."

Gales also credited his quarterback and the execution that was shown throughout the evening.

Brusly coach Hoff Schooler said the success in the passing game is a testament to the work his guys have put in all offseason.

"Those guys have worked hours on end all summer long," Schooler said. "Sometimes by themselves on a weekend, sometimes with coaches there."

The Panthers seniors are a group just itching to get out on the field and play football, he said. While Brusly hit on several explosive plays, Schooler thought his side missed out on others and still has plenty of room for improvement.

The Panthers did pick up one penalty for excessive celebration, but Gales said the team will make sure that gets fixed in no time. He said the celebration makes sure everyone on the team gets their credit, including the offensive linemen. Schooler said they'll get right back to work in practice to ensure the penalties don't cost them in a future game.

Brusly slotted in at No. 7 in The Advocate’s top 10 rankings for District 4A-5A. The Panthers will open their season at Port Allen at 7 p.m. on Friday night.

Brusly took down Parkview Baptist 27-7 in the jamboree. Gales said the win is a sign of good things to come for his side.

"We’re ready to eat all year," Gales said. "Effort, attitude and toughness. That’s all we know."