Brendan Alexander had a terrific career Friday night.
A junior lineman, he blocked three punts in the Meeker Bulldogs’ 44-14 win over Oklahoma Christian School in the first round of the playoffs.
The first two came before halftime, with one setting up a Meeker touchdown and the other turning into a touchdown on the return.
He blocked the first one with his helmet and the second with his right hand and the hat trick came in the third period, pictured at left, when he blocked one with his left hand.
“I just knew it was going to happen and did my best to lay out and knock it down,” Alexander said. “All night, the tackle had been kicking out on Caden and I knew if I just ran straight I’d beat the guard on speed.
“And he rugbied right to me every time.”
Last season, Alexander injured his arm in Week 9 against Prague and was on the sideline as Meeker lost a third straight opening round game to Chisholm, and he says it motivates him.
“I was tired of not getting past the first round.”