Blacksburg lineman Brett Lanier is fourth on the team in tackles this season. B rett Lanier is one of the last Blacksburg players an opponent wants to cross on the football field.

Lanier’s favorite thing to do is punish an opposing offensive lineman and running back by planting them firmly on the ground. The 6’- 2,” 255-pound defensive tackle ranks fourth on the team in tackles and has been the top run stuffer on the Wildcats defense in region play.

Lanier made his presence felt late in the second quarter after Chase Hames lost a fumble at the end of a 55-yard run deep into Whitmire territory. He had a sack and tackle for loss on consecutive plays to help send the Wolverines offense off the field without a first down following the turnover.

“I love the game of football. My dad always took me to games when I was a little kid. I didn’t really understand a lot about football when I was young. I just knew I wanted to be a part of it,” Lanier said. “The best part about playing football is it’s the only place where coaches will praise you for putting another player on their butt.”

The Blacksburg senior was thrilled on the sidelines in the second half when it started pouring down rain. While watching the action on the field, Lanier and defensive tackle Dylan Lowry talked about the best types of bad weather to play football in.

“I love playing in the rain,” Lanier told Lowry. “I hope it snows,” Lowry responded. Lanier nodded his head in agreement, anxious to go back out on the field. He was the starting right guard on the offensive line before a knee injury sidelined him for several months this spring.

“I always wanted to play on defense. It was frustrating when I got hurt,” Lanier said. “I worked really hard to rehab my knee so I could get back on the field. I had to work hard to earn my spot on defense.”

Lanier was among 10 Blacksburg High seniors honored in pregame festivities prior to taking the field against Whitmire. The defensive lineman had mixed emotions late Friday as he reflected on playing in his last game on Blanton Field.

“I have waited so long to be a senior. It finally hit me before the game that this was the last time I’m ever going to play at Blacksburg,” Lanier said. “It felt so good to come out of here with a win in my last game, even though it tears me up inside to say goodbye.”

His immediate focus is on this Friday’s region game against Landrum and the season finale against Southside Christian. He wants to go out a winner, while remembering the good times playing alongside his friends Derek Kirby, Lowry and Alex Campbell.

“I want to get to the playoffs and see our team win as many games as possible,” Lanier said. “I would love to play for a state title.”

After the season ends, the Blacksburg coaching staff is helping Lanier look at potential colleges, where he can continue his playing career this fall. He is looking at Presbyterian College, Newberry and North Greenville.

Lanier credits these college opportunities to the excellent teaching he has received from Blacksburg High line coach Drew Chisholm.

”I’m so glad I got a chance to be coached by Drew Chisholm. He is a great teacher,” Lanier said. “The blocking sled is the most terrible thing we do on the practice field. Coach Chisholm has a way of motivating us and making us want to do it. It’s a real honor to be coached by him.”