ATR ATHLETE 2025-26 FOOTBALL SZN SPOTLIGHT: BRANSON SIMENTAL
- Kam'ron Walker
- Jul 18
- 4 min read
Updated: Aug 2
SMALL TOWN, BIG DREAMS
For small towns across Texas, high school sports are more than just games—they’re a way of life. Every touchdown, home run, and buzzer-beater carries the hopes and pride of the entire community. On some Friday nights, you might drive through town and think it’s a ghost town—until you pull into the local stadium. There, you’ll find generations of families packed into the stands watching their hometown athletes go to battle on the gridiron. With a population of just around 478, Ropesville, Texas, is one of those small towns where high school sports play a central role—and junior Branson Simental has become a big part of that success. As a sophomore, his impact was undeniable, earning a long list of accolades: 2A All State Defensive Back, All South Plains Super Team First Team Defensive Back, 2A All-District Utility Player in basketball, Second Team All-District Outfielder in baseball, and Academic All-District honors. But the list doesn’t stop there. Branson played a key role in a remarkably talented Ropes athletic program that reached the quarterfinals in football, advanced to the Final Four in basketball, made it to the regional semifinals in baseball, and brought home a bronze medal in track as part of the 4x100-meter relay team. Coaches love athletes and Branson is definitely one that needs to be on coaches' radars.
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BREAKDOWN:
All season long, Branson was an offensive coordinator’s worst nightmare. The 5'9", 155-pound lockdown defensive back lived up to the title—lockdown. He racked up 10 interceptions, 12 pass breakups, 86 total tackles (41 assisted, 37 solo), 8 tackles for loss, and even scored a defensive touchdown. One of the top pass defenders in the nation for the class of 2027, Branson ranked 5th in interceptions on MaxPreps for his class and 41st across all high school players nationally. Watching his film, it’s clear that Branson has exceptional ball skills, routinely turning difficult, high-risk plays into highlight-reel catches. He stays disciplined in his assignments on every snap. Quarterbacks often misjudge his smaller stature as a weakness when matched up against taller receivers—but they quickly learn that his speed, instincts, and athleticism rival those of much bigger defensive backs. Play after play, he proves he’s not afraid to get physical, willingly taking on larger blockers to clog up running lanes and even making plays in the backfield when needed. He takes pride in holding his composure on the field during bad plays but let's all that cooped up energy go after a big play to help fire up the rest of his team.
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FILM
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ATHLETE Q&A:
1. What position do you play, and what are your biggest strengths at that position?
I play cornerback and wide receiver. My biggest strengths are creating turnovers and precise route running.
2. How would you describe your playing style?
Smooth and aggressive.
3. What part of your game are you currently working to improve?
Man-to-man coverage.
4. Describe your offseason or in-season training routine.
in the offseason, I focus on weights and conditioning four days a week. During the season, I train with weights and conditioning two days a week while also watching film on our opponents.
5. What has been your favorite game or highlight moment so far?
Beating the Wink Wildcats in the regional semifinals.
6. How do you prepare mentally and physically for a game?
The day before a game, I get therapy. On game day, I listen to music to get into the right mindset.
7. Are there any college or pro players you model your game after? Who and why?
Patrick Surtain—because of the way he keeps his composure on the field.
8. What are you planning to major in?
Some type of engineering—I'm not sure which field yet.
9. How do you balance academics and athletics?
I always make sure my academics are taken care of before focusing on athletics.
10. What are you looking for in a college beyond football?
A strong academic program where I can pursue my degree.
11. How important is academic support when considering a program?
It’s very important because academics have always been a top priority for me.
12. How would your coaches and teammates describe you?
As a hard worker and a positive, encouraging teammate.
13. What does leadership mean to you, and how do you lead on your team?
Leadership means making sure everyone is doing their job at the right time. I lead by encouraging my teammates and lifting them up, never tearing them down.
14. Share a moment when you overcame adversity on or off the field.
After we lost a game we shouldn’t have during the season, we came together and bounced back to make a run to the regional final round.
15. How do you handle pressure in big-game moments?
I give it my all and focus on making the most of the opportunity.
16. What are you looking for in a college football program?
A strong coaching staff and a program that values academics.
17. What do you want coaches to know about you that they won’t see on film?
I always bring a positive attitude—on and off the field.
18. What are your personal and athletic goals for the next year?
To make All-State again and win a state championship.
19. Are there any programs or schools you're especially interested in?
Any school that’s willing to give me a chance.
20. Who is your biggest inspiration or role model?
My parents and God.
21. What does football mean to you personally?
Football teaches hard work, teamwork, and perseverance—qualities that carry over into life beyond the field.
22. If you weren’t playing football, what would you be doing?
I play multiple sports, so I’d probably be playing basketball or baseball.
23. What motivates you to keep pushing through tough days?
Knowing there’s always someone out there working harder or better than me.
24. How do you want to be remembered as an athlete and a teammate?
As a hard worker and a teammate who never gave up.
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