Gates Shows He Belonged In All-Star Game

CONWAY -- Brandon Gates was a late add to the West roster, but the Harding University signee made his presence felt during the Arkansas High School Coaches' Association All-Star football game Friday night.

The 5-foot-9, 205 pounder from Rogers Heritage tallied 97 yards of total offense and scored two touchdowns to help the West to a 23-14 victory at Estes Stadium at Central Arkansas.

Heritage coach Perry Escalante, who served as a West assistant, told Gates to stay ready even though he wasn't selected when the original rosters came out. Gates was working out at the Heritage weight room a week before the All-Stars were supposed to report when he got the call.

"I told them 'Guys, you don't know what you're getting, because he's a good one," Escalante said. "He proved that tonight."

Gates acknowledged he felt like he had something to prove, after not being selected initially.

"Yes, sir, I did," Gates said. "Coach Escalante told me he was going to do everything he could to get me to the All-Star game because he thought I should have been here. I came out here and proved it, too."

Gates rushed for 49 yards on eight carries and also caught four passes for 48 yards, including a 25-yarder from his high school teammate and the game's Most Valuable Player, quarterback Josh Qualls.

Gates capped the West's first scoring drive with a 2-yard plunge on third-and-goal, then added a 7-yard touchdown run early in the second half.

Heritage made a splash at the All-Star game with Gates, Qualls and Colby Isbell all being named to the West team. Escalante said they proved they all belonged, too.

"They proved they can go on and play at the next level," Escalante said. "It proves the caliber of football players they are. And boy, are we gonna miss them."

Gates agreed it was a perfect way to close his high school career with his teammates.

"A last go-around is always good," Gates said. "It's a good way to end it with a victory, too."

The West had early momentum with two first-quarter touchdowns thanks to Gates, but the East were able to tie it by halftime, aided by two West second-quarter turnovers.

Gates said his team were determined to regain the momentum early in the second half and that's what they did.

Qualls scrambled and found Gates on a swing pass and he took it 25 yards on second-and-16 to get the West going on its first drive of the third quarter.

He later capped the nine-play drive to give the West the lead for good with eight minutes left in the third quarter.

The chemistry between Gates and Qualls paid off on that pass play, Gates said. But he also credited a strong offensive line for opening big holes, too.

"We've played together for four years and he knows where I'm going to be when he starts scrambling," Gates said. "The line made it easy for me. They were busting holes wide open and I just lowered my shoulder, get across the goal-line at all costs."

Sports on 06/28/2014

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