BTC Coach of the Week: Brant Hall, Loyola
Dons are off to a 2-0 start
The Loyola Blakefield football program has been on a steady rise over the last two seasons after struggling the previous couple of years. Head coach, one of the stars of the Dons rich football legacy from his playing days at Blakefield, has been the steady hand behind the recent progress and following last Friday’s 42-12 victory over No. 20 John Carroll, Hall has been honored as the Week 2 Baltimore Touchdown Club Coach of the Week. According to Hall, the Dons have come of age together. “We have a great group of senior leaders, most of which are playing their third year at the varsity level,” said Hall. “Guys like Dominic Clark, AJ Carver, Jason Smith, Trevor Henigan, Kenny Lewis, Omar Whiting and Azende' Smith all have an abundance of varsity football experience and are setting an example for our younger players.” In Friday’s win, Loyola bounced back from a loss to the Patriots in 2015. The turnaround was a point of progress according to Hall. “Each year brings a different challenge. This year's John Carroll team was very different from last year's team, but we wanted to redeem ourselves from the loss last season. It was important for our guys to be disciplined and continue to complete no matter who the competition.” Loyola’s approach is old school, going week to week and not looking to far down the road. “Our focus has been on being 1-0 each week. With the experience that we have it makes it easier to coach because these guys have executed their assignments for years,” said Hall. “Now, we are just trying to help them be confident in their skills and play aggressive and at a tempo which will benefit us.” Hall expressed the honor of being recognized by his coaching peers as Coach of the Week, an award he also won in 2015. “I am just happy to be in a part of a group of outstanding men who love to coach the game of football. There are so many great coaches that are helping to develop the younger generation using the game of football and to be recognized by them is truly humbling.” Hall also expanded on the value of the BTC in the local high school football community. “The BTC continues to play a major role in the greater Baltimore area for high school football. The organization helps our athletes gain the exposure they need to help these young men succeed at the next level. I am grateful for the time and effort put in by everyone associated with the BTC.”
