When Braylon Grayson broke free early in Memphis Friday, he probably wasn’t thinking about a major individual milestone. The consummate team player for the Pioneers was just wanting to help his team win – and he did.

While leading the team in rushing against Ridgeway in a 26-0 victory, Grayson became just the 15th Pioneer to top 1,000 yards in their career. He did it on a 50-yard TD run in the first quarter, doing something he’s done plenty for Warren County. The hard-nosed runner shook off tackles at the line of scrimmage and found another gear in the open field to score. 

Grayson, who is also one of the program’s top tacklers and tied for ninth in career TD catches, didn’t even realize what he had achieved until victory was already in hand against the Roadrunners. Once it set in that he did something so few players have done in 54 years of Pioneer football, Grayson gave himself just a second to reflect on his own accomplishments.

“It’s a big milestone and I have been dreaming about 1,000 yards for a long time,” said Grayson. “It felt great and I want more this year.”

It was only fitting Grayson did it on a touchdown that gave the Pioneers a lead they wouldn’t relinquish all night. He is always about the team first, even when it comes to the things that get him pumped on the field.

“I usually get excited when a teammate scores or somebody makes a big play. Sometimes I’ll get excited when I get a big catch or a big run, but it did feel good to win and to score,” said Grayson, who now has been a part of 10 victories as a varsity Pioneer.

The tough tailback made sure his early touchdown would be the only one needed too, even if the Pioneers padded their lead later with big passes. Grayson racked up another double-digit tackle night in Memphis, further pushing him toward 300 stops in his three seasons. 

As he ascends the career ladder in a number of stats, the senior star could have a chance to put two Graysons in the top 10 of the Pioneer running list. 

Currently, Braylon is 369 yards shy of passing his older brother Isaiah’s career mark of 1,448 yards, which is ninth in school history. 

It won’t be what drives Braylon though, no matter how sweet the bragging rights might be at future family gatherings. Grayson is only counting Pioneer wins as a senior, knowing that is the most important way to leave a legacy in Warren County.

Just like Friday, Grayson may get to live the best of both worlds the rest of this fall if he keeps running wild. As long as Grayson keeps breaking tackles and outrunning defenses, he’s going to push up the career ranks and the Pioneers are going to win games.