Van Vleck Football Player Honors His Dad With His Play on the Field

Rodney Dowell was hired to be head coach of his alma mater, Van Vleck, in January. After meeting the kids, his first order of business to switch the offense from the spread to a Wing T. After losing their first 3 games, the Leopards started understanding the offense and went on a 7 game winning streak to win the district title. They never let the tough start weigh on them

The Leopards would get bounced in the first round of the playoffs, but it was a season full of learning and growing. Especially for junior middle linebacker, Sam Brooks. Sam was finally healed from a knee injury he suffered as a freshman and was ready to finally be able to compete at the varsity level. But then, tragedy struck. His father, Mark, who taught Sam everything he knew about football, started losing his battle with Covid.

Mark Brooks would pass away before the season started. Everything Sam did to get back to playing shape was for his Dad and now he was gone. Sam’s teammates and the Van Vleck community helped raise him back up.

Sam knew only one way to stay connected with his father…..football. After losing out in a tough battle to become the Leopards quarterback, Sam devoted all his attention to linebacker. Using his Dad as motivation, Brooks turned himself in one of the best 3-A linebackers in Texas.

The season fell short of their goals, but for Sam Brooks, his success on the field has fueled him to work even harder for his senior season. Not just for him, but for his dad.