Brownstown football preps for tough sectional opener

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Big tackle Treyton Ream takes the farmer’s point of view. He is pro-precipitation.

Thinking ahead to Friday night’s Brownstown Central Class 3A Sectional football matchup at Lawrenceburg, the 6-foot-1, 290-pound senior doesn’t mind the weather report.

“I like it better raining,” Ream said.

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That’s because the Braves’ signature offense has more in common with bulldozers than airplanes. Brownstown moves the ball most frequently on the ground.

The Braves of the Mid-Southern Conference are 6-2. The Tigers of the Eastern Indiana Conference are 8-1 and ranked sixth in the division in The Associated Press state poll.

“We drew a tough opponent,” Brownstown coach Reed May said. “We’ve got to play really well.”

At the end of practice earlier this week, the Braves raised their helmets into the air under the gray sky that has been a feature of daily life this week and chanted “Beat the Tigers.”

To do so, May said his team “has got to move the ball, control the ball.”

Time of possession might be essential in the contest that kicks off at 7 p.m.

If any team is equipped to run the ball down and eat the clock, it’s Brownstown. The collection of backs is formidable. Lucas Hines has 942 yards and averages 12.1 yards a carry with 10 touchdowns. Jayden Steinkamp has 719 yards and 11 touchdowns total. Nicholas Robbins has 310 yards but averages 9.7 yards a carry and has eight touchdowns.

Eli Wischmeier, more visible at linebacker than fullback, has four touchdowns.

Quarterback Kiernan Tiemeyer has 480 yards and averages 5.7 yards a crack, making tricky, spinning moves to complement his throws.

May said Lawrenceburg has major-league beef in its defensive front that must be dealt with by his line.

“Their front four is awesome,” May said, ticking off roster weights like 270 pounds, 260 pounds and other numbers indicating the Tigers are well-fed.

This season began in the heat of July, was halted temporarily by the coronavirus and was interrupted when the Braves’ opening-game opponent, Corydon Central, phoned in sick a couple of hours before scheduled kickoff.

Yet Ream said, “It went by super fast. We were having fun.”

Ream has a good enough memory to recall his freshman year when Brownstown lost to Lawrenceburg in the sectional. He would like to make up for that defeat, especially since sectional play represents win-and-go-on.

“It’s a very big deal,” Ream said.

Just last week, Wischmeier, a junior, scored two touchdowns and recovered a fumble, making the most of dual roles in a 42-14 victory over Scottsburg. For now, linebacker is his favorite.

“Defense, definitely,” he said of his preference. “You can fly around. You make big hits.”

Big hits will be welcome versus Lawrenceburg. Wischmeier understands the basic keys for a Brownstown win.

“Getting stops on defense and moving the ball on offense,” he said.

Tiemeyer, a 6-foot, 160-pound junior, is a first-year starter at quarterback after limited playing time at the crucial position in prior years. He feels he has matured since season’s start, learning a little bit more through experience each game.

“There are so many plays you get,” he said.

He said he responds differently, more quickly to developing game situations, reacts to and processing information faster.

“It’s a change in instincts,” Tiemeyer said.

Knowing he was likely to become the quarterback, he spent the offseason studying film and periodically coaxing receivers to go out and play catch with him to gain reps.

“I knew what to expect, but I didn’t really know,” he said.

Tiemeyer, whose favorite pro quarterback is Seattle’s Russell Wilson, could present a dilemma for Lawrenceburg.

Although not often called to pass, Tiemeyer’s throws in the epic 43-42 win over Seymour were crucial. And he has his own signature run play in the Brownstown offense, one he has not seen other teams call.

Sometimes, off the hike, Tiemeyer spins, facing away from the line, then makes a revolution and darts to a hole. Defenses can’t figure out what he’s doing.

It is a move that can only be accomplished by someone making quick moves and disguising ball-handling.

“You’ve got to be on the toes of your feet,” Tiemeyer said. “It definitely can be tough on the defense. They can’t see the ball.”

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