His freshman year, Karl Pence entered Brownstown Central High School standing at 5-feet, 8-inches.
In his senior season with the Braves’ football program, Pence now sprints down the field with a 6-3 frame.
Pence is the Braves’ leading receiver thus far in 2017, with seven receptions for 170 yards and two touchdowns.
While the Braves have just passed the ball 32 times this season, Pence said he always looks to make plays down the field.
“You need to have the ability to get up and catch the ball,” Pence said. “You need speed and quick feet.”
The wide out, who began playing in Brownstown’s 56ers program, has a passion for the game.
“I love the sport,” Pence said. “I love the relationships you build with all the guys. It’s a brotherhood.”
Outside of the two Mid-Southern Conference and sectional titles and regional championship, Pence has another memory he will not soon forget.
In his sophomore year, Pence caught a game-winning touchdown against Paoli.
“It was about a minute to go in the fourth quarter,” Pence said. “We were on the 5-, or 10- yard line. I ran in-between the goal posts in the end zone and got the ball.”
Pence said last week’s Jackson Bowl victory was a big deal for the team.
“It was huge because we hadn’t won the past two years,” Pence said. “There were a lot of people doubting us this year. I think we proved some people wrong.
“We need to (continue to) work together. We need to stick together and play our assignments.”
Pence said he has enjoyed his time at Brownstown.
“I’m going to miss the friendships,” he said. “You build many through the process. We have tradition. We do the same thing every year, and it always works.”
In the spring, Pence will re-join the track and field team for a fourth year.
He said he will compete in the 110 hurdles and high jump.
“I like (hurdles and high jump) the best,” Pence said.”I have long legs. I didn’t do a lot before I grew. I did the relays, but wasn’t very fast my freshmen year.”
After high school, Pence plans on going to college and studying chemistry.
“I like to see how everything works, and how it’s made,” Pence said.
[sc:pullout-title pullout-title=”Pence file” ][sc:pullout-text-begin]
Name: Karl Pence
School: Brownstown Central
Parents: Jim and Peggy Pence
Siblings: Laura and Jennifer Pence
Sports: track 4 years, football 4 years
Athletic highlights: 2 Mid-Southern Conference Championships, 2 Sectional Championships, Regional Championship.
Organizations: Letterman’s Club, National Honor Society, Booster Club.
Plans after high school: attend college to study chemistry
Favorite food: seafood
Favorite TV show: Blue Bloods
Favorite musician: Chance the Rapper
Favorite movie: Vantage Point
Favorite team: Green Bay Packers
[sc:pullout-text-end][sc:pullout-title pullout-title=”Coaches’ awards” ][sc:pullout-text-begin]
The Brownstown Central High School varsity football coaches have announced awards for Friday’s 31-13 win at Seymour.
Earning honors are Gus Hogan, Offensive Back MVP; Stuart Hayden, Offensive Line MVP; Noah Reynolds, Defensive Line/Inside Linebacker MVP; Colton Ritz, Defensive Back/Dime MVP; Ethan Sevakis, Special Teams MVP; Isaac Horton, Scout Team MVP; Payton Barker, Lendon Underwood, Hogan, black jersey winner.
[sc:pullout-text-end]