The Skyline Tigers have outscored opponents 334-56 this year on their way to a 6-0 record. Much of that offensive outburst can be traced directly to the backfield with talented senior Logan Bryan.
"He just has a knack for running the football and seeing the holes," Skyline coach Brandon Shelby said. "He is real shifty in tight spaces. He is a big luxury on the field for us."
Bryan’s skills in the backfield are something that have been forged over many years as playing football for Skyline is a family tradition. His older brothers Chad and Corey also played for the Tigers, while younger brother Shawn is a running back for the eighth grade team.
His brothers’ days at Skyline had a big effect on Logan.
"When I was younger my oldest brother (Chad) played on the 05-06 team that went 10-1. I remember watching his games and always wanting to be just like him," Bryan said. "Then my next oldest brother (Corey), I watched him and was just always thinking I can't wait to be there. This is going to be something that I am going to love."
His oldest brother also gave him some sage advice that Logan heeds every time he touches the ball.
"My brother always told me...play every down like it is your last and I try to do that every time. Every time I get the ball I am trying to get the ball into the end-zone," Bryan said.
So far Bryan’s mindset of making the most of each carry has worked flawlessly. One out of every three of his carries has resulted in a Skyline touchdown. He has 21 touchdowns and 842 yards on just 60 carries this year for a 14.03 yards-per-carry average.
Even though Bryan’s carries have been fewer than year’s past, it is not bothering him.
"My carries have been down a little bit this year, but I know that if I am not getting the carries then somebody else is getting them and they are doing just as well if not better," Bryan said. "My body is not quite as beat up coming into the next game. I am staying healthier."
Skyline has been able to rest Bryan a lot this year thanks to an average margin of victory of 46.3 points per game, but Shelby knows sooner or later a game will come where Bryan will have to shoulder much more of the load.
"We know there is going to come a time that we are going to put the load on him and we are going to ride him for a ways," Shelby said.
That game could be coming this Friday against undefeated Strafford. The Indians are a team that has allowed just 21 points the entire season, which also happens to be the total amount of points Bryan averages per game.
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