GAINESVILLE — JD Brooks has become a leader out of the Gainesville backfield.
The senior running back has helped lead the Red Elephants to three straight wins, including a 135-yard rushing and four-touchdown performance in a 51-21 win over Apalachee on Friday.
The win sealed at least a No. 3 seed in the Class 6A state playoffs next week. If the Red Elephants beat No. 5 Lanier this week at City, they'll earn themselves a home playoff game.
"My teammates in my ear telling me what we've got to do to get to the next level," Brooks said about what gave him the edge on Friday. "Putting ourselves out there, really and doing the best we can."
Gainesville coach Heath Webb said Brooks leads by example.
"He's just a great kid, very even keel," Webb said. "His speed is obviously very beneficial for him, and he has a willingness to stick his body in there -- he has no fear. He's played well, he's played tough. He's really physical. He worked hard in the offseason to prepare for this. I'm excited to watch him go do this thing."
Gaining the Edge is sponsored by Conditioned Air Systems.
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