Josh Westbrook simply loves football.
Whether he is running down the field or reaching back to throw a deep pass, the Bayfield High School senior plays with a smile on his face and has a knack for making the right decisions in key moments of games.
“He throws one of the prettiest long balls I’ve seen,” BHS head coach Gary Heide said of his quarterback. “But what really impresses me is his decisions at times not to throw the ball and to run. He knows when to make that decision, and he’s a fabulous runner.”
Westbrook has helped guide the Wolverines (9-2) back into the Colorado High School Activities Association Class 2A State Football Playoffs semifinals a year after BHS won the state title with Kelton McCoy at quarterback. McCoy was a well-known figure in the Bayfield community, but Westbrook never focused on trying to fill his shoes. Heide said Westbrook is very much his own man looking to write his own chapter in the BHS football history books.
The transition wasn’t easy, though. The Wolverines built a new offense in 2015 out of the pistol formation, and McCoy and Westbrook had to learn together. This year, Westbrook went into camp in a position battle with sophomore Hayden Farmer and emerged as the starter. He has continued to grow each week and has delivered a huge boost to the run-heavy offense with his ability to pass the ball all around the field.
“We’ve really picked it up lately,” Westbrook said. “We’ve got a lot of expectations, and we’re not ready to quit.”
Westbrook pointed to the Delta game in the second to last week of the season as the week he really felt he had a strong command of the offense. After some early-season speed bumps at San Juan in Blanding, Utah, and at Durango, Westbrook and the Wolverines have won seven consecutive games.
He has thrown for 1,016 yards and 13 touchdowns this season while rushing for another 294 yards and four more scores. His 17 total touchdowns lead the teams.
This week, Westbrook will lead the Wolverines into La Junta for a rematch of last year’s semifinals game. This time, the Tigers (11-0) are the top-seed and favored to win the state title. Westbrook got a chance to play in the fourth quarter of last year’s game, as BHS went on to win big.
“To get to play in a big time game like that was definitely big for me,” he said. “I remember it being a step up from what I was used to playing. It was fun having the spotlight in a big time game like that, and I got to run quite a bit, too.”
Westbrook’s love for football is instilled by his family. His twin brother Jesse is an integral part of the team on offense and defense. His cousins Daniel and Sam Westbrook are also key contributors, with Sam likely a first-team All-State selection this year as an offensive and defensive lineman.
Josh said he and Jesse have played football together nearly every day of their lives.
“We run routes and practice plays all the time,” Josh Westbrook said. “He helps me a lot. It’s unique to have someone pretty much the same as me to work with.”
Westbrook tends to lead by example. He’s constantly encouraging his teammates and setting the bar with his work ethic. Heide said his respect for his coaches and teammates helps make him an ideal teammate.
“Josh just loves the game,” Heide said. “If we asked him to go play left guard, he’d probably go do it. He’s a team player and loves being around his teammates. He’s really come through when we needed him.”
jlivingston@durangoherald.com
Behind the scenes
Who is your favorite athlete?:
Denver Broncos wide receiver Emmanuel Sanders
What is the best part about being a home school student?:
For me, it is being able to have a job. Me and my brother both work. Most kids don’t get that chance.
What is the worst part about being a home school student?:
The social part. I spend more time just with family, but I like that.
If you could take a vacation after this season, where would you go?:
I’ve always wanted to go to the Caribbean.
What is your favorite outdoor activity?:
Football. If I had to pick something else, probably hunting, fishing and camping. My favorite spot is Spring Creek.
What is your favorite restaurant?:
Texas Roadhouse
What is your favorite TV show?:
I like “Castle” a lot.
Do you listen to any music before games?:
I don’t really. I mainly sit there and think about the game and pray a lot.
Since you’re a Denver Broncos fan, who do you think should start at QB, Trevor Siemian or Paxton Lynch?:
Man, Siemian has done good, but I really like Paxton Lynch.
