PLAYER PROFILE

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BRIAN "BOOMER" WETZEL - SR., QB/DB, COUDERSPORT

Photo courtesy of Paul Burdick - 708 S. Main St. Coudersport, Pa. 16915; 814-274-8772

BIOGRAPHICAL INFORMATION
  • Name: Brian Wayne Wetzel
  • Age: 17
  • Parents: Dawn Wetzel and Wayne Wetzel
  • Siblings: Collins (27), Todd (23), Rachel (20)
 
THE SKINNY
  • This Year: 13-for-23 passing, 286 yards, 4 touchdowns, 2 interceptions; He was 7 of 11 fo4 156 yards, 2 touchdowns and an interception in the Falcons 36-0 win at Otto-Eldred Friday. 
  • Notable: Has been the starting quarterback since he was a sophomore - he did split time with Justen Kinder last season - and has led the Falcons to a 28-2 record through last week including 20-0 in the AML North and two straight District 9 Class A titles.  Career Stats: 121 of 237 (51.1 percent), 2,278 yards, 29 TDs, 19 Ints
  • Up Next: Coudersport hosts Cameron County in a battle of unbeaten and unscored upon AML North Teams. The Falcons, who won 8-6 last season, put their 21-game regular-season win streak on the line. 

 

 

QUESTION & ANSWER
Q: Coudersport has won two straight District 9 Class A titles. No school in District 9 has ever won three straight Class A titles. How meaningful would it be for this year's team to become the first to accomplish that feat?
A: Your goal every year is to win the District, and that doesn't change just because we've done it the last two years. There are a lot of good teams out there this year that can beat you on any given Friday night if you're not careful, more so than in the past I think. It always means a lot to win a title, but it would definitely be special to be able to say that you won three in a row, especially against some of the teams that are out there this year.
 
Q: Your coach, Paul Simcoe, need two wins to become the first coach in District 9 history to record 200 career wins (198-75-8, 28th season) and just the 67th in state history. How special would it be for this year's team if he reaches the plateau this season? And what has it mean to you as a player to have played for him? 
A: It would be absolutely incredible if we were able to help him reach that milestone. To think of all the great teams of the past from Coudersport, and the fact that we've got the chance to give him that honors is an honor in itself for the kids on this team. Most of us have had brothers, uncles and dads who have played for him, so I think we really appreciate what it means. We don't take anything for granted. There's a lot of hard work and a lot of things that have to go our way before that happens. But it's certainly a special goal we've set for ourselves as a team. Personally, playing for coach has been a great experienced. Having him four four years of varsity football is something I will never forget. He's one of the best football coaches around, but he teaches us life lessons too. He's a great mentor, and it's definitely an honor to have played for such a great coach.   
 
Q: Coudersport seems to have always had a great tradition in football. Why do you think that is? 
A: I think it's a lot like Smethport of the 1990's. It's the whole town and all the support we get from so many different people. Kids grow up here wanting to be the next great falcons because that's what their older brother was, and that's what all their friends want to be. It takes a little luck and a lot of people to build a successful program, and not all of them get their names called on Friday nights. We've had great coaches for a long time and if you can put that together with good athletes and support from different fans and groups, you'll have a good tradition. We've been fortunate enough that we've had all of those things for quite a few years now.  
 
Q: A lot of people don't know much about Coudersport other than it was once home to Adelphia. What is something about the two that would surprise them?
A: Probably how close the community really is - football isn't the only things that gets great support. We've had success in other sports like volleyball, basketball and baseball, and we've got a music program that's pretty good too. People here like to see our young people having fun and being successful, and it show.  
 
Q: What are your plans after high school?
A: To attend a four-year college or university with an undecided major, and hopefully play collegiate football.
FAVORITES
  • Movie: Shawshank Redemption
  • Sport other than football : Baseball
  • Subject in school: Math
  • Favorite type of music: Acoustic, but I'll listen to anything
  • Favorite Professional Sports Team: New York Yankees