Friday Night Lights are more than just a crowd and a game. 

For Grove High School senior Brayden Casey, football is life.

Brayden is a well-seasoned pro, having played football thus far for 9 years.

As the saying goes, Brayden knows that there is no “I” in the word team – being on a team involves others, and this is his favorite part about the sport. 

“My favorite part about playing football would be the comradery being out there on that field playing for each other, our coaches, our fans, and our town means more than anything in football,” Casey said.

When it comes to Brayden’s favorite football memory, Braydenbaccounted, “My favorite football memory would have to be playing Wagoner during senior year, and finally putting an end to their 16-year winning streak, with us beating them.”

Brayden looks towards his football leadership for the person that has inspired him the most thus far in life. 

“I think the person that has inspired me most would have to be John Henry Ward,” he said. “He was my linebacker coach for three years. The reason he has inspired me so much is because he never gave up on me. When everyone thought I was too small to play the position, he had confidence in me and led me to be the best player I could possibly be.”

In terms of academics at Grove High School, when asked what his favorite subject is, Brayden said, “My favorite academic subject would be English.”

Brayden plans on pursuing higher education after his senior year. 

“After I’m done with high school, I plan on playing college football,” he said.

Brayden could be considered a well-rounded person. There are many activities he enjoys, besides the gridiron. 

“Besides football, I’d have to say my favorite activities would have to be, bow fishing or gigging,” he said. “I love to hang out with friends and spend quality time with my family.”