Tackling a new challenge

SIDEBAR 

FOLLOWING CURT BRADLEY

Malcolm Belton, 2011 graduate of Leesburg High where he was a running back, now a team manager 

Michael Douglas, 2011 graduate of Leesburg High where he was an offensive lineman, now a team manager 

Kelvin Albritton, 2013 graduate of Braden River where he was a defensive end and tight end, now an assistant coach 

Tyler Strahs, 2015 graduate of Braden River where he was a defensive lineman and full back, now an assistant coach

Brett Walker, 2013 graduate of Braden River where he was an offensive lineman, now an assistant coach 

BRADEN RIVER — Standing slightly off the line of scrimmage, Tyler Strahs had his eyes focused on the ball as he motioned to Braden River's four defensive linemen.

It was a different role than he had a year ago when he hoisted Braden River's first district championship trophy as a senior defensive lineman.

Now he was calling some of the shots as a rookie assistant defensive line coach, and it appeared he was pretty good in his new role. As Palmetto High quarterback Jack Allison stepped into the pocket, a host of Pirates swarmed around Allison, dropping the Tigers signal caller for a loss.

Strahs pumped his fist in celebration as Braden River forced yet another three-and-out. 

Farther down the sideline, assistant Brett Walker huddled with Braden River’s offensive linemen, offering words of encouragement. They headed back to the field to take care of business, helping the Pirates win Friday's Class 7A-District 11 game at Pirate Stadium.

Braden River head coach Curt Bradley has the team rolling, and he does it with some interesting help. Bradley has five former players, including Strahs and Walker, who serve as either assistant coaches or managers. The other assistant is Kelvin Albritton, who played for Bradley at Braden River, while Malcolm Belton and Michael Douglas are managers. They both played for Bradley at Leesburg High. 

“I really wanted to get into coaching,” Strahs said. “I didn’t have the opportunity to play college ball, so to be able to stay with the program has been really enjoyable. I just enjoy seeing all of the guys go as hard as they can, wanting to be better and getting better.” 

Strahs is now an assistant defensive line coach for the Pirates while Walker (offensive line) and Albritton (linebackers) both serve as assistant coaches for Braden River’s JV squad and also help out with the varsity squad.  

They all have been instrumental in the Pirates' success this season. 

“Not everyone can play in college, so this is a way to keep them around the sport,” Bradley said. “Their heart is still in it, so this is a way for them to continue to grow and learn football and to help those who once helped them.” 

Bradley first connected with Belton and Douglas while coaching the two as seniors during the 2011 season at Leesburg High. Following that season, the three remained in contact. 

When the opportunity presented itself for Belton and Douglas to return to the sideline alongside Bradley, while they finished college, they couldn’t pass up the opportunity. 

“It’s been great,” Belton said. “I love how the boys have brought me in ever since I first came. It’s really fun to be around them.”

Albritton and Walker began coaching for the Pirates two years ago and both have been fortunate to be part of Braden River’s turnaround.

“I love it,” Albritton said. “If I can’t play then I can’t think of a better way to be involved than to teach kids football.” 

Albritton was on the Pirates squad that went 1-9 four years ago during Bradley’s first season at the helm. Walker joined Albritton on the field a year later, as a senior, when the Pirates went 5-4.

Since graduating in 2013, Albritton and Walker have seen the Pirates win back-to-back district championships. 

“I simply love the game, and this is a way for me to give back and teach some of the techniques that I learned,” Walker said. “I just enjoy seeing the guys have success.” 

Since joining Braden River’s coaching staff, all five former players have had to change their mentality.

“They can’t relate the same way because they’re coaches now,” Bradley said. “They have to respect the transition from player to coach, and they’ve done an awesome job. They have a lot on their plate because now they are in a position of authority when previously they were players. They have to keep a true player and coach relationship.” 

In doing so, they’ve learned the importance of responsibility and the value that comes from being a solid role model for their players. It’s forced them to grow up and think outside of the box. 

While each of Bradley’s former players are content in their new roles, that doesn’t mean they don’t still yearn to be on the field. 

“You always wish you could be out there making memories,” Walker said. “When you’re coaching, it’s more of a controlled excitement. You have to be able to hold your cool, but at the same time it’s still really hands on.” 

Contact Jen Blanco at [email protected].