While Lendon Underwood has played football for more than nine years, during last week’s game against Corydon Central, he experienced a first.
On a botched snap off of a punt attempt, the 5-foot-11, 250-pound Brownstown Central lineman scooped up the loose ball and took it 37 yards to the house for his first touchdown.
“I saw the ball pop out of a little pile and knew I just needed to not trip and pick it up,” Underwood said. “I was thinking that someone had to be behind me, so I ran as fast as I could to get to the end zone. I didn’t think I would ever get one.”
The Braves senior is in his third year with the varsity team and starts at right tackle on offense and at left defensive tackle.
Underwood returned to the right tackle position after playing guard for the Braves in 2016.
Last season, Underwood was an Indiana Football Coaches Association Class 3A All-State Junior on the offensive line.
He also was All-Mid-Southern Conference honorable mention, playing on an offensive line that gained 4,581 rushing yards, 1,292 passing yards and scored 240 points. On defense, Underwood recorded 65 tackles (17 solo, 48 assist) and two sacks.
He was an instrumental player on a record-breaking team that claimed conference, sectional and regional titles.
“My best memory, so far, on the football field is going to semistate last year,” Underwood said. “Even through we lost, it was an awesome experience. I will never forget that as long as I live.”
Underwood started his football career playing in the Columbus Police Athletic League before joining the Columbus Diesel travel football team.
Starting in the seventh grade, Underwood put on a Braves uniform.
“I just love playing football,” Underwood said. “I like that you get together with a close-knit group. It’s nice always having someone there that has your back.”
Underwood said he has high expectations for the upcoming season.
In the spring, Underwood will join the throws squad on the track and field team.
Underwood said his best throws are 126 feet in the discus and 45-6 for shot put.
It will be Underwood’s fourth year with the program. He hadn’t participated in track prior to high school.
“Coach (Jerry) Brown talked me into it,” Underwood said. “He said that I was pretty decently strong and had quick feet, so I joined up and kind of stuck with it. I’m getting better every year and just seeing where it goes.”
After high school, Underwood plans on going to college and studying social work. Underwood said he wants to help families in the future.
“Growing up, as a kid, I was raised by a single mom,” he said. “I just want kids that are in worse situations than me to get into better situations. I think everyone deserves a good home life, and I want everyone to experience that.”
He said he’s looking at several schools and plans on playing football after graduating from high school.
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What: Brownstown Central (1-0) at Charlestown (0-1)
When: 7 p.m. Friday
Radio: 96.3 WJAA
Where: Reis Field
Last outing: Brownstown Central def. Corydon Central 44-14, Silver Creek def. Charlestown 34-0
Most recent meeting: Brownstown Central won 52-48 on Aug. 26, 2016
Series past 30 years: Brownstown Central 25-13
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Name: Lendon Underwood
School: Brownstown Central
Parents: Jennifer Underwood, Johnny Goss II
Sports: Football, four years; track, four years
Athletic highlights: Junior all-state, first-team all-area
Organizations: Booster Club, Lettermen’s Club
Plans after high school: Attend college and study social work
Favorite food: Chicken strips
Favorite TV show: “Family Guy”
Favorite musicians: Migos
Favorite movie: “Friday Night Lights”
Favorite team: Baltimore Ravens
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The Brownstown Central High School varsity football coaches have announced awards for Friday’s 44-14 win against Corydon Central.
Earning honors are Caleb Bollinger, Offensive Back MVP; Stuart Hayden, Offensive Line MVP; Lendon Underwood, Defensive Line/Inside Linebacker MVP; Payton Barker, Defensive Back/Dime MVP; Ethan Sevakis, Special Teams MVP; Hayden Kinsler, Scout Team MVP; Underwood, Bollinger, Brendan Patman, Lane Lucas, Luke Shelton, black jersey winners.
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