By Ken Hansard

In 2024, Girard middle linebacker Blake Brokob was named All-CNC Conference and All-State at linebacker. Now, on the eve of the start of the 2025 football season, the Trojan junior is our VYPE Poll Winner at the linebacker position.

After garnering so much attention at such a young age, it would be easy for such honors to invite a young athlete to become self-centered.  However, Brokob has taken all the accolades in stride.  His focus is squarely on the team, “By far, the most important thing to me was being named a captain as a sophomore. No one from Girard has ever done it before, and it was such an honor to lead my teammates into every game.”

Good genetics is always a positive attribute for any aspiring athlete.  Blake comes by many of his athletic gifts quite naturally.  Brokob’s father was an All-State linebacker for Girard in the late 90’s, and his mother was a standout basketball and track athlete for the Trojans. 

However, natural physical talent will only take a player so far, and Brokob has never been one to rest on laurels.  Rather, he has leaned into an intense training regimen that should have him and his teammates ready to improve on last season’s 6-4 record, which culminated in a second-round season-ending loss to state runner up, Topeka Hayden. “I would like to finish first in the CNC as a team and roll into the playoffs hot. We don’t have a lot of size up front, but all our guys have been putting the work in this summer to get bigger, faster, and stronger.” 

After leading the team in tackles and sacks as a sophomore, Brokob has some rather ambitious numbers on his radar for his junior campaign, “I would like to break the 100 tackles mark and have at least three interceptions.”  Yet again, Blake’s focus moves back to the team, “I see myself as a leader. I see myself as a competitor on and off the field. And I see myself being there for everyone when they need it.  Mostly, I’m just looking forward to getting pads back on and hitting people.”

When not leading the Trojans on the gridiron, Blake stays active with many diverse interests.  He plays basketball and baseball for Girard.  He is a member of FCCLA and SADD, and he also serves as a volunteer with the Special Olympics. 

Since college is nearly two years away, Blake isn’t sure yet where he would like to go to college, but he is certain that he wants to keep improving and then take his talents to the collegiate level after graduation.