SMITHVILLE — The Caledonia High School football team’s two-headed monster of Brandon Henry and Spencer Unruh delivered again Friday night in a major way.
Henry, a senior running back, and Unruh, a sophomore quarterback, combined for 423 yards and five touchdowns to lead Caledonia to a 46-13 victory against Smithville.
Whether it was through the air or on the ground, Henry and Unruh always came up huge with big plays, including one on the first play from scrimmage. After receiving the opening kickoff, the duo waisted no time getting things started. Unruh lined up in the shot gun formation, received the snap, flicked it 2 yards to Henry on a halfback swing, and the rest was history. Henry turned up the field and hit the sidelines running for a 63-yard touchdown reception.
“That opening score helped us out in a huge way,” Henry said. “It brought all of the momentum over to our side, and it was what we needed especially with us being on the road.”
The do-it-all back displayed his soft hands by making three catches for 165 yards and two touchdowns. If that wasn’t enough, Henry rushed for 107 yards and two more touchdowns.
When asked who was his favorite running back was, Henry said the former Detroit Lions great Barry Sanders was his all-time favorite. Like Sanders, Henry has big-time play-making ability. He also appears to have a knack for delivering those plays when his team needs them the most.
“It’s all God-given talent,” he said. “I also have to give credit to the coaches. They’re good at seeing how the defense reacts to our plays, and (Caledonia coach Andy Crotwell) calls right plays for us to score on.”
It’s clear Henry is a team leaders who has earned the reputation as a “do-it-all” back. He has built that reputation by working hard every play. Crotwell said Henry’s numbers offer only a glimpse of what kind of person Henry is.
“He’s a great football player, but, most importantly, he’s a good kid,” Crotwell said. “He’s a National Honor Society student and does everything you ask him to do. No matter what it is, he is always willing to do it.”
Henry’s success makes things that much easier for Unruh. When they are clicking, they feed off one another all game.
Unruh was 10 of 12 for a career-high 316 yards and three touchdowns.
“My line made it really easy for me,” Unruh said. “They gave me a lot of time to sit back and read the defense. My receivers made some great catches.”
Unruh is growing into the role as starting quarterback. On Friday, he threw more touchdown passes than incompletions. He hasn’t thrown an interception in three games.
Unruh’s big time play making ability can make it really easy to forget that he is only 16 years old.
“Spencer is very efficient throwing the football,” Crotwell said. “He’s very accurate, very coachable. He processes information well, he has the right attitude going into practices, and that’s what you look for in a quarterback. The accuracy and arm strength are just bonuses.”
Together, Henry and Unruh have been giving opposing coaches and defense’s problems. Smithville coach Chad Collums was the latest to see what kind of damage Henry and Unruh can do.
“Henry is a special running back, and he’s going to make some noise in 4A football, and their quarterback is, too,” he said. “He (Unruh) can really throw the ball, and we weren’t used to seeing a quarterback that can throw it as good as he can.”
Caledonia will play host to New Hope on Friday.
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