Braden River Brotherhood

BRADEN RIVER — He didn’t want to believe it at first.

But there came a point last year when senior Jaredd Pate knew something was wrong. The Braden River running back was losing weight for no reason. He didn’t have the energy to practice, and he was constantly tired.

Pate eventually went to the doctor to see what was wrong; and last August he was diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes.

“I didn’t really know what to think at the time,” Pate said. “(The last year) it’s been up and down. It’s been kind of hard.”

At the beginning of the season, Pate was pegged as the Pirates starting running back. But unfortunately for Pate and the Pirates, his condition has kept him off the field at several points throughout the season.

“I can see that it’s definitely been a challenge for him,” coach Don Purvis said. “It’s been a struggle for him. He’s a tremendous athlete and a great running back. He’s had setbacks on and off all season, but he’s never complained.”

As a result, Braden River has had to rely on a trio of running backs — seniors Mike Glover, Dipo Kolawole and Javar Baity — to help fill the void. And much to Purvis’ delight, the players have risen to the challenge.

“They’re all special in their own way,” Purvis said. “The challenge for me as a coach is to somehow figure out a way to get all of them the ball. That’s the hardest part because I need to get all of them involved.

“They’re all very good players, and there just aren’t enough footballs to go around,” he said. “They’ve all been very patient and realize that some games dictate whose going (to get) the ball, and they never complain or gripe.”

Through nine games this season, the quartet has rushed for more than 1,400 yards and 12 touchdowns — 490 yards of which came in the Pirates district game at Booker Oct. 29.

“It’s been a big change for them,” Purvis said. “It’s been a leadership change for them; and they’ve really carried the load for the offense, but they’ve adapted well.”

Baity — or Thunder or The Train as he’s called by his teammates — is Braden River’s leading rusher so far this season with more than 600 yards and five touchdowns. But it’s not his ability to bulldoze through opposing defenses that’s kept his teammates talking this season. Rather, it’s his gymnastics skills — cartwheels to be exact.

“I did a cartwheel in the end zone,” Baity said of capping off his touchdown drive at Booker, which helped propel the Pirates into the playoffs. “I didn’t want to get tackled.”

Meanwhile, Kolawole, who along with Glover transitioned over to running back after playing wide receiver last season, set a career-high two weeks ago, rushing for 250 yards on 13 carries.

“Dipo makes one move and then he goes,” Glover said. “He’s a one-hit wonder.”

While Baity and Kolawole rely predominately on their power, Glover, the fastest player on Braden River’s roster, uses his speed and agility to make people miss.

“You never know who is going to get the ball,” Kolawole said. “We have power, speed and quickness.”

“Whoever gets the ball is dangerous,” Glover said.

Finally, Pate is the slashing running back of the group. And although he hasn’t had too many opportunities to showcase his talents, when he does get the ball, Purvis and the Pirates know they have a dangerous weapon on the field.

“Jaredd Pate finds a hole and just goes,” Purvis said. “He’s a slashing running back. Unfortunately, we haven’t had many chances to showcase what he can do.”

Pate might not have had the number of carries he expected when the season began, but when it comes to the support of his teammates, he’s gotten more than he could’ve imagined.

Throughout the month of November, the Pirates will wear blue in support of Pate in recognition of National Diabetes Awareness Month.

“It lets me know they’ve got love for me,” Pate said. “They’re my family, and I love them too.”

Braden River broke out blue gloves, wristbands, socks and mouth guards, among other attire during their final home game Nov. 5 against Lemon Bay, which the Pirates won 30-0.

“It shows that we care about him,” Kolawole said. “We want to let people know that even though he has diabetes he can still play football.”

“It hits close to home,” Baity said. “My grandfather has diabetes, so to be able to support Pate and my family on the field is a great experience.”

Contact Jen Blanco at [email protected].