Friday nights under the lights have already given Gunner Shelby some unforgettable moments, but one stands out above the rest. “My favorite memory is probably being able to play on the same team as my older brother, Maddux Shelby,” he said. “He’s one of my role models and best friend—it was just a lot of fun being able to play together.”
Now a junior at Webbers Falls, Shelby has his own goals to chase this season. “A couple of my goals this year are to lead our team in tackles, and to lead our team in receiving yards,” he said. Early numbers show he’s well on his way, with 25 tackles, one interception, two sacks, and 10 receptions for 136 yards and a touchdown through just two games.
He credits the team’s progress to the way they’ve come together as one. “I think our team morale has been pretty good—everyone is working together and working hard. We lift each other up when we do well and hold each other accountable for when we mess up.”
That growth has been easy to see from the sidelines. “I think our biggest improvement is our enthusiasm and our want. I think we are striving for more this year.”
Those improvements are fueling their ultimate goal. “We want to make a deep playoff run and we are working towards that by staying consistent and working hard during practice, taking it serious and taking each game one at a time.”
Shelby takes pride in his versatility on the field. “I play wide receiver, corner and safety,” he said. Whether on offense or defense, he leans on focus and preparation. “I look to see his alignment and how I can beat him if he’s lined up close or backed off. I just like to stay focused, know that the ball is going to get to me and think how I can help my team win.”
His mentality remains unshakable. “When I get on the field, I like to think that no one on the field is better than me.”
For Shelby, the bigger picture is just as important. “I want to carry on a good legacy and know that I made a positive impact on the program for the youth coming up.”
