Among all the injuries Sage Brandt has had to endure, whether it be a concussion or sprained ankle, nothing compares to the first he sustained at the beginning of his football career at Ada-Borup.
Sitting in the shop classroom at Ada-Borup High School, holding a stern look, Brandt uttered the words: “I never knew if I would play football again.”
Brandt was referring to the day he broke his right leg’s femur, the largest bone in the human body, just as his football career was starting in sixth grade.
“After my eighth grade football season, I had trouble deciding whether I should be done then or keep playing, because I knew the game would only get bigger and faster the next year,” Brandt said. “I didn’t want to hurt my leg again or anything else major… once was enough.”
Fortunately for Ada-Borup, Brandt, now a senior, kept a strong mind and decided to continue with the physical sport, and his mentality and playmaking abilities has contributed to much of Ada-Borup’s success this season.
The defensive end and outside linebacker has totaled 50 tackles, 6 sacks, a deflection and two fumble recoveries in 7 of the Cougars 10 games. The three games Brandt missed were the result of a concussion.
However, it didn’t matter how many times Brandt missed a game due to an injury, he would always come roaring back just as good, if not better than before.
“Being as physical of a player that Sage is, injury will always be a risk one has to accept. You can tell when he is sidelined for a game; our defense is noticeably different without him on the field,” Ada-Borup head coach Nathan Brager said. “But whenever he jumps back on the horse and gets playing again, he goes full bore without any hesitation.”
Brandt’s physical toughness is what sets him apart from the rest.
Whether it be his speed, hitting power or mental awareness, Sage is a valued asset to the Cougars football team, and Ada-Borup’s defensive coach Jeff Stoen would be the first to tell you such thing.
“We let him go on defense; he knows what he is doing. Sage himself is a rarity,” Stoen said. “He is tough on an opponent’s running game and he is relentless when rushing the pass.”
Stoen’s final laud about Brandt may be the biggest key for Ada-Borup’s defense entering Thursday’s Minnesota 9-man, section 6A championship game against Nevis.
Nevis’ quarterback, Collin Huckbody, is the star of its offense. The senior can toss the pigskin downfield for big gains or he can keep the ball for significant yards with quarterback sweeps, powers and scrambles. Huckbody threw for 111 yards with a touchdown and an interception and rushed for 142 yards and a touchdown in last week’s 18-13 semifinal victory over Norman County East.
You can bet Brandt will be aiming to cut down on Huckbody’s production, and his determination he has displayed ever since the cold morning in Mahnomen when his leg gave way will be the driving force behind his performance at the Fargodome.
“We played Nevis in the passing league this summer, and we know what to expect,” Brandt said. “All I know is I want to go get that quarterback, and I will.”
Ada-Borup's Sage Brandt's determination is what sets him apart from the rest, as his comebacks from minor to major injuries throughout his football career has shaped him into a star player for the Cougars.
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