Receiving core stepping up to make plays for Hollis Brookline football

When the Hollis Brookline High School football team started preseason practices, there was one thing that seemed certain.

Quinten Wimmer was going to lead the Cavaliers receiving core, providing quarterback Sander Wimmer, his twin brother, a go-to option while the rest of the group got up to speed.

But when Quinten Wimmer went down with an injury in HB's final scrimmage, it meant the rest of the Cavs' skill players had less time to get acclimated.

After a rough first half in the season-opener against Milford, HB's offense has gelled. In the last two quarters of that game, and the first half of Saturday's 48-14 win over Hanover, the Cavs have scored 62 points, with Sander Wimmer throwing for six touchdowns and running for two more. HB also had a touchdown in the third quarter against the Marauders, but the entire second half was played with a running clock.

While junior Blake Bergeson has been Wimmer's top target, catching four touchdowns in the first two games, the rest of the receiving core has stepped up as well.

Shea Philbrook also caught two touchdown passes against Hanover, and after missing the game against Milford, Isaiah Velez caught four passes for 47 yards and a touchdown in the win. Although he didn't find the end zone, senior Austin Johnson added six catches for 58 yards.

"We had four guys out on the field who could all make plays," HB coach Chris Lones said. "That gives us depth and makes us dangerous in terms of who are you going to cover, who are going to matchup each week.

"You can double team Quinten in a game and Shay is going to kill you. You can double team Shay and then you have to deal with Blake on the opposite side. It makes it a tough day for defensive coordinators. That’s something this year that we haven’t had in the past and it makes a difference."

It's also made it easier for Sander Wimmer.

"It’s been really big and amazing to watch them," he said. "Last season, there were struggles, and this season, with Quinten out, they’ve stepped up. It’s been great to watch and great to help them with routes, when to keep running and knowing when to sit. It’s impressive and I’m proud."

Having Velez in the lineup was a big factor, according to Lones, because of what he provides outside of his receiving skills.

"He makes a big difference for us," Lones said. "He’s a kid who gives us something on our team that nobody else gives us because he has elite speed. He hasn’t had an opportunity to show it yet, but he might be the fastest kid I’ve ever coached here. It was nice to get him reps."

On his touchdown reception, Velez took a short pass from Wimmer 17 yards for a touchdown, cutting outside to get behind a downfield block and then outrunning the Hanover defense to the sideline and then the end zone.

"I knew our receivers could take their defensive backs," Wimmer said. "As of right now, we have really great depth when it comes to receivers. Whenever someone needs a breather, we can sub them out and I know I’ll have another reliable receiver out there. As a quarterback, I love it."