4-star 2022 Mississippi State QB commit Braedyn Locke talks playoff win, Mike Leach

Texas high school football playoffs are here, with Rockwall hosting North Garland in the Bi-District round. The Yellow Jackets won easily on Thursday night, 55-14.

Rockwall (TX) Rockwall High School quarterback Braedyn Locke was the star of the night, throwing five touchdowns. His final score broke the Class 6A career passing touchdown record with 127. Locke said celebrating with his teammates was a “special moment” and one he will never forget.

“Man, it was incredible,” Locke said. “I didn’t even have time to take a few steps. Those guys – they’re so amazing. They run out on the field, celebrate with me. Along with that, they come out every day and work hard and they’re just as much of a reason we got [the record] as I am. I love those guys. I am glad we got to set the record at Wilkerson (-Sanders Memorial Stadium).”

Locke completed 14 of 18 passes for 283 yards to go along with his five touchdowns. He sat out in the second half with a comfortable lead.

Winning on his home field during his final appearance was a big deal for the Mississippi State commit. He played at Wilkerson-Sanders Memorial Stadium for three seasons and dreamed of playing for Rockwall as a kid. Beating North Garland during his last appearance is a “pretty big deal” in his eyes.

“It’s a big-time win,” Locke said. “We want to play five more games after this but you can’t get there without the start. That’s what tonight was for and to get to play one last game on our home field, it was a big deal. We accomplished what we needed to accomplish and we’re reading to roll into next week.”

Next up for Rockwall is DeSoto in the 6A-DI area championship, a rematch from last season. Locke and the Yellow Jackets know what they need to do in order to avenge their field goal loss a year later.

“We just got to have a great week of practice,” he said. “I think in games like that you don’t win them on Friday or Saturday, you think them throughout the week on Monday or Tuesday, or Wednesday and Thursday. Our team will take that mentality into next week. Our staff is going to put together a great game plan and we’ll be ready to go. I know anybody that was there last year knows how that game went, we don’t have to talk about it but this team is ready, this team is motivated and I can’t wait to be out there. It’s going to be fun.”

Braedyn Locke loves Mike Leach, Mississippi State

Locke has been a Mississippi State commit since May 2 and is the top-rated prospect in the Bulldogs’ class according to the On3 consensus. He is going to be an early enrollee and is excited to work with head coach Mike Leach.

Even with four losses on the year, he can tell there has been progress within the program in Year 2 of Leach. Getting to Starkville in January, Locke is ready to call it home and be a Bulldog.

“I love it up there. Coach Leach, Coach Nichol, Coach Drew — all those guys are awesome,” the quarterback said. “I can’t wait to play under them. The season is going well. We’ve had a few tough games but you see the growth from last year to this year in that team and you see them a lot more comfortable with what’s going on. It’s been fun to watch. I can’t wait to get up there in January and be a part of it.”

Most importantly, when asked his thoughts on candy corn, Locke said he is not fond of the Halloween candy. Something he and Leach can bond over early on.