Braden River football trio take JUCO route

Three Braden River football players recently signed letters of intent to play junior college next season.

Offensive lineman Jeff Casseus and wide receiver Troy Gatling have signed with New Mexico Military Academy and quarterback Steven Ross has accepted a scholarship to play at Hutchinson Community College (Kansas), according to Braden River head coach Don Purvis.

The 6-7, 270 pound Casseus, who was also a standout with the Pirates basketball team, is expected to play tackle and the 6-3, 185 pound Gatling will continue to work at receiver, Purvis said.

"New Mexico Military has sent a lot of guys on to Division I schools (FBS) and that is what those two want to do," Purvis said. "Ross' dad played at Hutchinson and they want to use at quarterback, which is the position he wants to play. Those were factors on why he wanted to go there."