Interview: 2022 QB Brayden Fowler-Nicolosi Marching Aledo Deep into Texas 5A Playoffs
Written by Ryan Wright
Twitter: @RyanWrightRNG
In most cases with team sports, the difference between the starter and the backup is little more than an opportunity. What makes the big distinction when that opportunity arises is being prepared. As the Aledo Bearcats (9-1) have torn through 5A Texas squads with a three-game run into the playoffs, the last five games have been manned under center by Class of 2022 talent Brayden Fowler-Nicolosi. Fowler (6-3, 200) spent the 2019 season running Torrey Pines’ offense in California, and has found success now in the Lone Star State.
For an update on his new team, new offense, and run in the playoffs, Fowler sat down for another RNG interview.
Interview
Brayden, you made that move from California to Texas transferring to a top program in Aledo. The Bearcats have been working over teams now in the third round of the playoffs. What’s be clicking for you guys building to this moment after the Week 3 loss to Cedar Hill (27-17)?
We keep getting better every week on both sides of the ball. Our line has done a great job picking up blocks, and the run game is so effective and that opens up the passing attack which is creating more opportunities for me to throw it downfield more often.
You guys are moving the ball up and down the field hanging 48 points on opposing 5A Texas defenses. What is the philosophy of the offense?
Our goal is to stay balanced in every game. We try to stay as even as possible running and passing, while not be predictable. The goal is to keep the defense on their toes. Even if something is working, we might change it up.
When did you take over the starting job?
Brant (Hayden) was out with the virus for the Timberview game, I started that one.
How are defenses lining up against the Bearcats offense?
Most recently, defenses are trying to pack the box to stop Demarco (Roberts). On Friday, he had four rushing touchdowns and almost 400 yards. That creates a lot of opportunities for deep balls and intermediate passes.
After slinging it against California and now Texas players, what are some of the differences you are seeing in skill and/or level of competition if any?
I think the biggest difference that I noticed when I came to Texas are that the people are a lot bigger. The difference in speed is similar, but the size difference is prevalent.
Seeing a different group of teams and players, how has that pushed your game to new levels?
Surrounding myself with these new guys has been a cool experience. I was so used to Torey Pines and their offense, going into a more passing offense, now I get to show off my arm. It is fun. The new group of guys have welcomed me in. I have become brothers with them, our chemistry is building, and we keep getting better and better.
Watching your game film, I’m seeing you throwing it on a rope, taking what the defense is giving you with some teams bracketing one of your receivers, spreading the ball out to several targets, going through your reads, and looking safeties off before delivering strikes. What are some of the things you are doing to work over defenses that I didn’t mention?
My biggest thing making me most effective is watching film. I am watching a lot more film. I spend hours a week going over the same players to learn their tendencies and getting tips during a play to know what a defender might do. That is helping me to make the right reads and smart decisions.
How are you preparing for each game this season?
We stay focused on that opponent. We start film right away after the last game, and we watch three hours of film on that defense. That is our top way to prepare, and we practice. During practice we focus on the things we will run that week so we are confident going into the game.
The team had a near perfect opening round 77-6 win against Hillcrest on Dec. 10 and then crushed North Forney 49-24. On Thursday you take on Frisco (8-1). What kind of game are you expecting from the Raccoons defense?
I’m expecting a very competitive game. They look fast and they play smart football. I’m not expecting a lot of broken plays. If we stick to the game plan and stay consistent, we will be okay.
Bryaden, it was great catching up with you today. Wishing you and the Bearcats success the rest of the way.
Thank you.
Photo credit: Fowler-Nicolosi family; Brayden Fowler-Nicolosi