Sports

Capital's Brekke Named Gatorade Player of the Year

Posted: Nov 29, 2012 6:46 PM by MTN Sports

CHICAGO - Helena Capital running back Gunnar Brekke has been named Montana's Gatorade Football Player of the Year. Brekke becomes the second consecutive Bruin to win the award and third in the past four years.

The 6-foot, 180-pound running back rushed 169 times for 1,285 yards and 16 touchdowns in 2012. He also caught 24 passes for 308 yards, leading the Bruins to a 5-6 record and yet another trip to the Class AA Playoffs. The cornerback also recorded 56 tackles and three interceptions on defense. He has verbally committed to play football at the University of Montana in 2013.

A star in the classroom as well, Brekke maintains a 3.53 Grade Point Average and has volunteered with church construction projects and flood relief efforts.

"Brekke is a very physical player," said Matt Johnson, head coach at Missoula Big Sky High. "He has good raw speed, but he'll pound you too. He's a very versatile runner and he's just as good on defense."

Brekke wins the award one season after former teammate Caleb Kidder earned the honor.