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NEXT IN LINE: Can Duncan live up to historic lineage of Lee's QB?
SOME CONSIDER BAYTOWN LEE HIGH SCHOOL THE BIRTHPLACE OF THE PASSING GAME IN THE STATE OF TEXAS.
Former Gander coach Dick Olin founded the concept of a State 7-on-7 Tournament decades ago, with the goal of getting his signal-callers some reps.
The lineage of QBs at Lee is historic, starting with Jermaine Alfred (Baylor), which led to the likes of Clint Stoerner (Arkansas), Ell Roberson III (Kansas State), Olin’s stepson Drew Tate (Iowa) and Brian Johnson (Utah).
How about this for full circle? Brian Johnson is now the offensive coordinator for the Philadelphia Eagles, where he coaches star QB Jalen Hurts.
Who has just been hired to be the offensive coordinator at Baytown Lee? Averion Hurts Jr., the older brother of Jalen Hurts.
Jamey Wright (VYPE)
So, let’s say that senior QB Levay Duncan Jr. is in good hands. Could he be in line to be the next great Gander QB?
Duncan is coming off of a junior season when he threw for over 1,500 yards and 16 TDs. The dual-threat QB rushed for more than 300 yards and another six scores.
“Coach Hurts has helped me improve my mechanics so much,” he said. “I’m more prepared to play the position and understand the schemes a lot better.”
Heavy is the head that wears the crown, however, which means that much is expected of the QB1.
2023-24 Baytown Lee FootballJamey Wright (VYPE)
“It’s feels great to be the leader of this team, but a little weird also,” he laughed. “I feel that everyone is looking up to me to do everything right. That is making me a better player and person. Having people cheering for you and supporting you in this position is a blessing and gives me hope."
"My goal is to throw for 300 yards agame and lead us to the playoffs,” he said. “I believe in this team.”
Let’s see where this new high-flying offense can take the Ganders. Can they repeat history?
GCCISD Spring Magazine: Beast Mentality
WHETHER IT BE BEATING OUT A CORNER ON A WHEEL ROUTE OR ANOTHER RUNNER IN THE 200-METER DASH, BAYTOWN LEE'S TRUDELL BERRY HAS THE SAME MENTALITY.
"You've got to have the mentality that you can't be beat," Berry said. "You've got to have a beast mentality. You have to believe in yourself so you can perform well."
On the football field, Berry is a 6-foot-1, 185-pound wide receiver and corner for the Ganders' football team that made the playoffs in the fall for the first time since 2009.
He was named first-team, all-district at outside receiver, and second-team all-district as a cornerback.
"One of his biggest assets is he is the most dependable teammate that you could have," Baytown Lee football coach Tim Finn said. "If we have a practice or workout, no matter what we're doing he's the guy that's going to be there 100-percent of the time.
"And you're going to get his best effort, no matter what sport or what day."
In the football season, Berry finished with just over 400 yards receiving and a pair of interceptions for the Ganders and now turns his attention to track season.
Looking back at last season, before everything halted due to COVID-19, Berry ran a personal-best of 22.03 in the 200-meter dash on March 5, 2020, and their 4x100-meter relay team was also picking up steam.
"I felt like we had a pretty good relay team last year, it was the fastest relay I've ever been on," Berry said. "But COVID happened.
"I have to make up for everything I missed last year. Everything I could have done, all the PRs I could have made. I have to do that this year."
The junior, who competes in the 4x100, 4x200, 4x400, 100, and 200-meter races has had a good start to the year.
The 4x400-meter relay team placed third at the Anahuac relays, where he also took second in the 200-meters – posting a season-best 22.10 time – and third in the 100-meter dash.
His favorite event though – the 200-meter dash.
"It's a long sprint," Berry said. "Coming out of the curve and down the straightaway you have to be mentally strong to keep on running. Keep your form all the way through and finish."
With the hopes of camps and 7-on-7 football happening this spring and summer, Berry is hoping to pick up some steam on the recruiting circuit.
And the dual-sport athlete knows the benefits from running track. His work now will pay off on the gridiron come the fall.
"It's everything, without track there's no success on the football field," Berry said.