Well-prepared Polecat ready for final season

By Kevin Taylor

Alma Schools 

Brayden Polecat would have to catch 100 passes this season to even be in the conversation as one of the school’s all-time receivers.

But that’s hardly what defines the Alma two-way standout. 

“If I could have five Polecats out there, I’d take it, because that kid has a tremendous attitude, gives a hundred percent effort, and his teammates respect him,” Alma offensive coordinator Payton Morris said. 

Polecat snagged six passes for 104 yards and a pair of touchdowns as a junior, while also contributing with 24 tackles on defense. 

But with the graduation loss of Drake Stogsdill, Polecat could play a more prominent role in Morris’ offense. 

“Brayden’s just really tough,” Alma receivers coach Derek Haney said. “The best part about him is he can play any three positions because he’s so smart. He knows everything across the board, and that just brings a lot to the table — his physicality and the way he’s able to play every spot for us.”

Polecat and the Airedales host Van Buren in the 2024 season opener Thursday. 

“This year is amazing,” Polecat said. “Playing with all the guys since seventh grade, it’s really good. I think this year is going to go pretty well, just because we’re so senior-heavy. We have a bunch of seniors on this team that are ready to lead.”

The Airedales return a busload of senior starters on defense, and many of those will be called on to make plays on offense, too. Coach Rusty Bush said Alma will regularly play nine players on both sides of the ball, including quarterback Michael Taylor. 

Polecat, junior Sam Schlegel, and senior Byron Standridge combined to haul in eight of Alma’s 10 touchdown receptions last season, with Schlegel leading the team with 53 receptions. 

“It’s really special to be in an offense like this,” Polecat said. “We have so many guys that can go make plays. You just have to keep doing your part. 

“Even if you’re not getting the ball, you have to block on the perimeter — you have to always go pick up your teammates.”

“Polecat’s one of those guys that just does everything he’s asked to do,” Haney said. “He’s always in the right position; we never have to ask him what the route is going to be. He’s great on the perimeter at run-blocking, too.”

Polecat is one of a handful of seniors prepping for their final season. 

“It’s special for those guys,” Haney said. “He’s been in here since seventh grade. It’s his last ride; they take it a little bit more personally when they’re a senior and they’ve been through it.” 

Like a lot of student-athletes, Polecat was a multi-sport athlete in junior high and was a solid baseball player. 

“I was always taught, ‘If you sign up for a sport, you don’t quit it.’ It’s been fun to me, especially how the coaches have grown on me,” he said. “All of the friendships I’ve gotten out of it, they’re all like brothers pretty much.” 

Polecat said he caught the football bug once he got to high school. 

“I was still playing baseball and football, and I don’t know why, but football hit me my junior year,” Polecat explained. “I decided to quit baseball and just pursue football. I’m enjoying it right now.”