Webster’s dictionary defines ‘legacy’ as something transmitted by or received from an ancestor or predecessor from the past. Webster’s synonyms for ‘legacy’ include birthright, heritage and inheritance. Maybe Webster should add Charlie Brewer to the list, because all of the above does describe the Lake Travis senior quarterback, but it does not define him. Brewer may have been born to play quarterback, but he is quick to listen, slow to speak, humble, patient and leaving his own legacy.
When looking for answers to Brewer’s abilities one might look at his family.
The quarterback lineage in his family is rich in tradition and legacy.
His grandfather Charles Brewer (Brewer’s namesake) who is in the Texas Hall of Fame was the starting quarterback for the University of Texas in 1953-54. His son Robert (Charlie’s Dad) played for UT and was the last walk-on to start at the signal caller position for Texas in 1981-82. In fact Robert Brewer guided the Longhorns for a late score in 1982 for a Cotton Bowl Classic win against Alabama.
Both of Brewer’s great uncles played quarterback for Texas Tech and running back at Oklahoma. Charlie’s uncle Rob Moerschell from his mother’s side started at quarterback for Texas in 1983 and last but not least his older brother Michael Brewer who led Lake Travis to two state championships started at quarterback for Texas Tech and more recently Virginia Tech after transferring.
To say the Brewer’s like to play quarterback would be putting it lightly. It’s all in the genes and there’s no doubt Charlie’s got that same “it” factor about him.
The QB dynasty at Lake Travis isn’t much different than that of his family. There are the biggest of expectations at hand and the biggest of shoes to fill. The last five quarterbacks have all gone D1. Names include Todd Reesing, Garrett Gilbert, Michael Brewer (Charlie’s brother), Baker Mayfield, and Dominic DeLira. From 2007-2011 the Cavaliers became the first program in the state of Texas to win 5 straight state championships. Not only does the Austin Lakeway community expect the team to make a run for state year in year out, but they expect the face of the team to lead its charge.
Last year at the beginning of the 2015 season the grooming period was over and the 6’1” 193 lbs Brewer got his shot as the starter for the Lake Travis Cavaliers joining the illustrious fraternity of Cavalier QB’s who had preceded him, thus beginning his campaign as one of top tier QB’s in the state. Soon it became known this was Brewer’s team and the Cavs would go as far as he could take them. Highlight performances early in his junior season including beating rival Austin Westlake allowed Lake Travis coaches to open up the pro-style playbook and go full-throttle.
Game after game Brewer threw darts and picked apart defenses with help from the likes of running back/wide receiver Maleek Barkley, wide receiver Cade Green, and tight end Cade Brewer all D1 commits themselves. Brewer’s bid to guide Lake Travis to a 6th title came close, but fell short last year losing to Katy in the state final.
Brewer threw for 3,426 yards, 42 touchdowns while completing 68.4 percent of passes for the 6A-II runner-up. Attaining some hardware for his inaugural season he was named District 14-6A Offensive MVP, TSWA 2nd Team All-State, AP All-State Honorable Mention behind now Texas’ true freshman QB Shane Buechele and Austin Westlake’s Sam Ehlinger.
“Being able to carry on the tradition of being a division 1 quarterback here at Lake Travis is awesome and I’m very thankful,” Brewer said.
Brewer was in the mix for player of the year with honors going to Austin Westlake’s Sam Ehlinger on the All-Central Texas team and became the sixth straight cavalier quarterback to go D1 committing to SMU in the spring.
This 2016 season Brewer and his No.3 Cavs are back in state championship form at 4-1, already throwing for over a 1,000 yards and 12 touchdowns through five games as they prepare for the annual “Battle of the Lakes” crosstown 25-6A matchup with another Texas powerhouse No.5 Austin Westlake. Both teams reached the state final a year ago in D1 and D2 respectively. The Cavs have beaten their ATX foe the last eight meetings and are in search for number nine.
Westlake features their own top tier quarterback with Texas Longhorn commit Sam Ehlinger. In last years battle the “LTrain” rolled through the Chaps 35-14. Brewer accounted for four touchdowns, 175 yards in the air and 75 rushing. His All-State counterpart Ehlinger finished with 114 yards in the air one touchdown and 75 on the ground. Tonight’s game will host not only two of the best quarterbacks in all of Texas, but the winning team will set themselves up as a legit front-runner in making the finals once again.
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