The Hive Sports

by James Tate

The Weber Warriors defeated rival Roy Royals in the 2022 first round of the playoffs before losing to the Farmington Phoenix in the second round. The playoff win over the Royals was a boost for the team after a tough season that saw the Warriors finish with a 3-9 record—the new season looked bright for the Warriors, with many returning starters and players who gained experience as underclassmen last season. Returning starting free safety, Braylon Parker is a crucial player for the Warriors, and he has been counted on to help the team take that next step to a winning season.

While Braylon was a known player coming back, younger brother Dyson was not. Before the season started Braylon appeared in 13 varsity games, while Dyson found the field in one game as a freshman. The offseason would be vital in seeing the development of Dyson and the work the entire team would put into developing a winning attitude. Working with their dad, Coach Anthony Parker, an assistant coach on the Warriors staff, the brothers would work hard to improve their game over the summer.

Offseason workouts

Coach Parker is a trainer with Elusively Gifted, a program designed to help all kids develop into better athletes in every sport. He is working with football players to improve their running skills, footwork, and agility. He has seen both Braylon and Dyson become dynamic ball carriers. In addition to Coach Parker’s drills, Braylon and Dyson also workout with receiver training specialist Ross Apo, Anton Palepoi of Pro-Tech, and Eric Jensen of Playmakers WR Skills.

Apo is a former Brigham Young University standout receiver and is the head trainer and founder of Mile WR. Palepoi is a former NFL player with the Seattle Seahawks and attended Hunter High School and the University of Nevada at Las Vegas. Jensen specializes in receiver training with the training group Playmakers.

These trainers give Braylon, Dyson, and all athletes excellent, detailed training to enhance their skills throughout their athletic careers. Teaching athletes proper techniques and proper mindsets are the main focus these trainers bring to every session.

On one occasion last season, Braylon showed his unique talent against the Farmington Phoenix when he took a pass and made a Barry Sanders-type move to turn around the defender and pick up yards after a catch. Dyson’s hard work has seen him quickly move up the Weber running back depth chart, and he is the team’s second-leading rusher behind senior Nakosi Swain.

Braylon Parker is a leader

In addition to being the older brother to Dyson, Braylon is the older brother to the entire Warrior football team. He leads by example and shows others how to be locked in on the football field and be respectful and caring off the field. Returning as the starting free safety, Braylon naturally leads the defense, recognizing the offense’s tendencies and knowing where a team will try to challenge them.

With a focus more on the defensive side this season, Braylon was slowed with an injury earlier in the season but still averages over six tackles a game to lead the secondary from his safety position. The Warriors are a young team, and Braylon understands his role in helping the talented young secondary improve each week. The secondary includes juniors Ian Elmore and Tyson Higgs, and sophomores Salesi Moa and Josh Hamblin.

“I was fortunate enough to be voted captain this season, which was a great feeling,” Braylon said. “As the season has passed, we’ve had many ups and downs, which put me in a situation to help the team more. I’m glad I learned how to keep the team moving and tell them to keep their heads up.”

Dyson Parker emerges

Dyson has established himself as a player the Warriors are excited about for the next few years. Dyson has excellent vision and can run inside and break big runs for the Warriors.

“I felt I could play on the varsity level last year after seeing Braylon play,” Dyson said. “Because we always train together, I knew I wasn’t too far behind physically, and all I needed was a chance to play.”

The combination of Swain and Dyson has seen the team’s running game take off. After averaging 52.5 rushing yards per game last season, the Warriors are up to 135.3 yards per game this year.

“Nakosi and I have put a lot of work in the off-season to gain strength and develop our moves even more,” Dyson said. “The linemen also have been grinding in the off-season, putting on more weight and getting stronger.”

Dyson’s breakout game came against the Wasatch Wasps in Week 4 with 142 yards rushing and three touchdowns. Showing his overall athleticism and being a great teammate, Dyson has sometimes joined Braylon on defense, playing linebacker for the Warriors.

Family support

Braylon and Dyson credit their success to the support from their dad and, their entire family and the Warrior team. Their dad and mom excelled in high school and collegiate sports and passed on great genes to their sons.

“My dad was an elite running back and a great basketball player, and my mom played volleyball, softball, and basketball,” Braylon said. “Both of my parents continued to use their athletics and knowledge of it to become personal trainers.”

“Coaching both boys at this level has been pretty awesome,” Coach Parker said. “It’s something I have thought about since they were little. I always figured they would play varsity, but of course, you never really know if it will work out that way. The possibility of them playing varsity together was an even bigger dream because Dyson would have to be good enough to play as a freshman or a sophomore. I’m grateful and extremely blessed to be a part of my boys playing together at this level and being able to watch and coach them, even if only for this one year.”

“The number one person I would like to recognize is my dad,” Braylon said. “The amount of stuff he does for me and my brothers is absurd, and I can’t thank him enough. I would also really like to thank my mom. She is my number one supporter, ensuring I have what I need and want. She is a blessing, and I’m so thankful to call her mom. My stepmom is another huge supporter and helps me and my brothers out so much. She even ensures my dad isn’t too hard on us.”

“Coach Shane Hansen is my safety coach, and he has helped me progress so much as a defensive back. Head Coach Jayson Anderson has helped me and so many of my teammates become better football players and people. Lastly, I would like to thank all of my teammates that I’ve played with. They have made football so much more enjoyable, and I wouldn’t have as much love for the game without them.”

Bright future Brothers

As this is Braylon’s senior season, he enjoys his teammates and this time to the fullest.

“I’m enjoying playing with my teammates, many of whom have become great friends, too,” Braylon said. “Another thing is that it’s nice to know you have a staff that completely supports you. Our coaches make time for our team and do so much for us. That is not something that happens everywhere, so it’s nice to have that, and I thank them for that.”

“Bray has been a staple of leadership for our team, and he is a very coachable kid and is always willing to put the team first,” head coach Jayson Anderson said. “He has play-making ability on both sides of the ball and can be a big impact player each week.”

Braylon would love to play football beyond high school, and a few schools have reached out, including Utah Tech University. Being the best student, player, and Warriors teammate is the top priority for Braylon.

Dyson is only touching the tip of his potential and abilities.

“He was a freshman the first time he got in a game, and now he starts as a sophomore,” Braylon said. “My hope for him is that he keeps pushing his limits because I believe he can make it to the next level.”

“My goal for the future is to get offered and for the team to win the region and make a good run in the playoffs.” Dyson said.

“Dyson is a very special player,” Coach Anderson said. Even though he’s a sophomore, he is a guy you can’t keep off the field. He has been able to play at a high level since day one, his future is bright, and I’m excited to see what he develops into throughout his career.”

photos courtesy James Tate