Braxton Etheridge went into the 2023 season wanting to help Claremore do something it hasn’t done in more than 20 years.
“I want to win a district championship for the first time since 1999,” he said. “I want to improve from last year in any way I can and also be a leader for my team.”
The Zebras are off to a 3-0 start this year with Etheridge behind center. Claremore defeated Bartlesville, 28-27, to begin the season, followed with a 62-41 win over Oologah, and topped Hilldale, 63-13, in week three.
“Braxton makes us go on offense as our quarterback and is a great leader,” Claremore head coach Jarrett Hurt said.
Etheridge threw for over 2,000 yards and 17 touchdowns as a junior. He also had three rushing touchdowns. He currently holds the single-season Claremore passing record. He feels he has improved his arm strength and is understanding of the game since last season.
“My biggest strengths are my arm strength and my ability to extend plays,” Etheridge said. “I feel like over the course of these years I have improved the most on being a leader and a guy to look up to as long as my intelligence of the game.”
Etheridge’s biggest influence is his family.
“They are always so supportive and they are my biggest fans. I play for them because I know that they have sacrificed so much for me so I could be where I am today,” he said. Following high school, Etheridge plans to continue playing football at the college level and wants to be a coach someday.
“I want to have a positive impact on as many people as possible and spread kindness, hard work and the name of Jesus. I want to be someone that people look up to,” he said.
