It’s not easy to make it to the 6A D2 state championship game twice in a row. Blake Thomas, the senior wide receiver turned quarterback for the Summer Creek Bulldogs, is a direct witness to this. After leading Summer Creek as far as he could, Thomas lost to Vandegrift 31-34 in the semifinals.
Playing five games following a regular season is never easy. “You really have to push through it until the end because it affects the body,” Thomas remarked.
Summer Creek witnessed this personally during the 2023 state title chase. Blake Thomas, the team’s top wide receiver and backup quarterback, had to take over as the team’s leader after Tristan Sanchez, the Bulldogs’ primary quarterback at the time, sustained a season-ending ACL injury.
Thomas stated that a quarterback was not part of the plan. But when my team needed me most, I wanted to be there for them.
In 16 games, Thomas threw for more than 2,487 yards and scored 27 passing touchdowns, according to Max Preps. Thomas led Summer Creek to their first-ever state game participation as a junior, but they lost 14-74 against a strong DeSoto squad.
The Bulldogs learned from this defeat that everything must be earned. Thomas was also reminded that he would need to prepare for two positions during the off-season: wide receiver, as that is his actual job, and quarterback, because the team needs his play at that position.
I tried to hone my abilities at both positions during the offseason, Thomas remarked. I would concentrate on the quarterback position during my summer exercises in the morning and work on the wide receiver position in the evening. I worked at demonstrating my speed and ability to separate while on my routes at camps on the weekends.
Thomas’s efforts paid off after he shown the ability to create separation and good hands to the catch point while running 4.4-4.5 seconds in the 40-yard dash on a regular basis. Lamar University extended an offer, inviting him to play wide receiver at the collegiate level.
It felt really good to get that offer prior to the senior season starting, said Thomas. I have an opportunity to start as a freshman coming into the program, I just have to work hard.
With Thomas back under center for the 2024 season, Summer Creek started the season strong in 6A Region III District 23. Through four games, Summer Creek scored a total of 215 points while keeping its opponents scoreless. The Bulldogs didn’t allow an opponent to score until the fifth game of the season, when Astascocity scored 42 points. The final score for Atascocita was 42-39.
The Bulldogs didn t lose another game until they met North Shore in week 10, where they would fall 35-10.
Even though Summer Creek only lost twice in 6A Region III District 23, one of the hardest districts, it was crucial to stay healthy. To go the farthest in the playoffs, a team must be healthy.
With Thomas playing the quarterback the last two years, many had forgotten he played receiver and only saw him as a quarterback.
Most people don t realize how good Blake is as a receiver, said Summer Creek head coach Kenny Harrison. He s got the speed, footwork and instinct to thrive in any offense.
During his senior year at the quarterback position, Thomas accounted for 37 passing touchdowns while throwing for over 2,888 yards. He also led the team with an average of 51.3 rushing yards per game, while also rushing for 13 touchdowns.
Thomas draws inspiration from NFL receiver stars like Ja Marr Chase and Chris Olave, as well as collegiate standouts Evan Stewart and Luther Burden III. Their influence has shaped his explosive playing style and meticulous work ethic.
All of those guys are quick and have strong hands to the catch point. They also do a good job at tracking the ball on deep throws, said Thomas.
With Summer Creek s season over, Thomas was offered the opportunity to play in the Bayou Bowl, a game that allows seniors one last time to showcase their skills at the high school level. He decided not to participate in the event to focus his attention on rest, recovery, and route running.
About Blake Thomas:
Class:2025
IG:@Bt0fficial
Twitter:@BlakeThomas112
Position:Quarterback / Wide receiver
Height & weight:5-feet-11, 180 pounds
Favorite artist:NBAYoungboy
Status:Committed to Lamar University
Favorite subject:Math
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