Brodnitzki A Dynamic Lineman for Natick Grid Squad

Determination, desire and dedication are intangible assets that define Will Brodnitzki as a football player.
The 6-foot-4, 215-pound two-way lineman doesn’t get much notice, but he’s one of Natick High’s key contributors — a competitor who quietly has helped the Redhawks compile a 5-0 record at Local Town Pages deadline.
Whether it’s opening holes for running backs or protecting quarterback Christian D’Antonio from blitzing defenders, his value as a tackle is huge. On defense, he plays end, and he’s effective at stopping opposing quarterbacks and running backs by utilizing his speed and quickness to shed blocks.
When coach Mark Mortarelli lost several offensive linemen to injuries last year, he turned to Brodnitzki.Moving from tight end to left tackle went smoothly, because Brodnitzki anticipated that possibility. “I went to the Bay State Camp in Needham during the summer and worked out as an offensive tackle,’’ Brodnitzki said. “I just felt that being versatile could lead to more playing time.’’
It did. Because Brodnitzki rarely comes off the field on offense, and he gets only a short breather now and then on defense.
“Will is very athletic, one of the best athletes on our team,’’ Mortarelli said. “He’s got a motor that doesn’t stop. He’s very agile and plays with an edge on the defensive side of the ball. He could play any position on the field and he always puts the team first.’’
Although Brodnitzki likes to pursue, hit and tackle opponents, he, nevertheless, prefers left tackle to defensive end. “I like the camaraderie on the offensive line,’’ he noted. “Our line coach, Brian Maloney, insists games are won and lost in the line. It’s a challenge to open holes and protect the quarterback, but it’s fun, too.’’
A high football IQ is one of Brodnitzki’s prime attributes, but he’s also successful because he’s highly skilled, knows technique and is very instinctive. Those positives were on display dramatically in Natick’s 28-14 triumph over Norwood last year. The Natick native made eight tackles, had one sack and a deflection, numbers good enough to earn him Defensive Player of the Game.
“I was flying all over the field for that game,’’ he recalled. “Half of the game was played on Friday night, then it was postponed to Saturday morning because of lightning. Norwood had to travel back to Natick a second time and might have been weary. But, I just felt ready to play.’’
Another memorable outing as a junior last year was Natick’s 26-7 upset victory over Milton. The triumph was significant, coming after a loss to Wellesley. Instead of being 2-2, the Redhawks were 3-1. “Milton was favored, but we played our hearts out,’’ Brodnitzki said. “That win played a major role in our 9-2 finish.’’
Brodnitzki’s individual goals are to keep improving and strive for a berth on the Bay State Conference all-star team. As far as the team goes, the 17-year-old senior has some specific objectives.
“First, I want to beat Wellesley, then win the Herget Division title,’’ he said. “Getting into the playoffs again is another goal. We can go deep and win the Super Bowl. It’s realistic, because we’ve got talent and experience. We’ve got 14 returnees back.’’
Two of those returnees are linemen who are highly regarded by Brodnitzki — seniors Jack Canney (center) and Bailey McElhinney (left guard). “Both love the game, and both are excellent linemen,’’ Brodnitzki said. “Bailey was a league all-star last year, and Jack is such a hard-worker.’’
Brodnitzki also is bullish on his coach, calling Mortarelli a superb motivator. “He’s a great coach,’’ Brodnitzki emphasized. “He knows how to prepare us, he’s serious in practice,e and he’s always helping kids when needed. I also like his emphasis on academics.’’
Brodnitzki, who started playing football at age nine, watched Natick play in two Super Bowls during his Pop Warner days. Winning a bowl game is important, because Brodnitzki doesn’t intend to pursue football or basketball in college. He’ll be a captain in basketball this winter, and he hopes to improve on his average of 10 points and 10 rebounds. An honor-roll student, he’s hoping to attend UMass, Penn State or Maryland and major in math or business.
“This is the last year I’ll play football,’’ he said. “I’ve been able to stay healthy, and I strictly will focus on academics in college. That’s why winning a Super Bowl would be a great way to finish my career.’’
Relying on a competitive philosophy of reaching his potential, Brodnitzki enjoys athletics because he finds value in the life lessons that sports teach. “I’ve learned how to better manage my time and I like setting goals and working as a team,’’ he said. “And, by reaching my potential, that helps our team win.’’
Calling his older brother Tom a role model for helping him learn the finer points of football, Brodnitzki rates former Celtics’ forward Kevin Garnett as his favorite pro. “His work ethic was off the charts,’’ Brodnitzki said. “He was determined and he was the ultimate professional.’