White helps USA to win in International Bowl

By Andy Brown
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Updated: February 2, 2017

Photos courtesy of the White family

Louisburg High School freshman Brayden White (60) stands at attention during the national anthem prior to the International Bowl on Jan. 17 in Arlington, Texas. White played on the defensive line for USA football as it defeated Ontario, Canada 63-0.

Brayden White walked onto the turf of AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas, and prepared to help USA Football get a win over Canada in the International Bowl.

It was the same stadium, that just a few days prior, hosted an NFL playoff game between the Dallas Cowboys and Green Bay Packers. The atmosphere of playing in an NFL venue was enough to make anyone a little star struck — much less a high school student.

However, the Louisburg High School freshman didn’t think about that much. For the second time in as many years, White traveled with USA Football to compete in the International Bowl — and for the second time in a row he left with a big win.

White helped the USA Football 16-and-under team to a 63-0 win over Ontario, Canada, on Jan. 17. Last year he helped the 15-and-under squad to a victory as well. This time, though, it was a little different for him.

“This year was a lot harder,” White said. “The kids seemed quicker, bigger, faster and stronger than last year. It was in the 30s most of the time and rained almost every day, too. We had three practices a day, most days and the coach really expected a lot from each player. The practices and the team bonding we did in the hotel during our off time made it more memorable.”

Brayden White lines up for snap during the International Bowl on Jan. 17 in Arlington, Texas.

White started on the defensive line and made several plays for team USA, whether it was a tackle for loss on the first play from scrimmage or getting to the quarterback.

To get to this point, White had to earn a spot on the National Developmental Team, and then played in a showcase game in July in Canton, Ohio. A few months later, rosters were released for the USA Football team and White earned a spot.

He had to go through the same process in 2015 as well, which led to his first selection for USA Football. According to White, he has learned a lot about the game in these last two years.

White received instruction from head coach Jason Mohns and his staff. Mohns is the head coach of Saguaro High School is Scottsdale, Ariz., and had led his team to three state titles and almost 60 wins since 2012.

“I have a broader understanding of the game by being exposed to different coaching styles,” White said. “I feel it has made me a better player by starting to prepare me for the next level of football. For example, the way practices are set up and ran, traveling with the team and staying in hotels with a roommate, etc.”

The LHS freshman also had a strong contingent there rooting him on as he had several family and friends in attendance to watch as No. 60 caused havoc on the defensive line.

“I was very thankful and blessed to have my family there, which included my parents, siblings, grandparents, aunt, uncle, cousins and a good friend supporting me at the game,” White said. “They made signs and really cheered me on. I was there for six days and most of the time we started our day at 6 a.m. and didn’t finish till 10 or 11 at night.”

When White was about ready to come out onto the field for the start of the game, he couldn’t help but think of his hometown.

“When we were in the tunnel ready to take the field, Canada was ahead of us,” White said. “I started singing ‘We Ready’ to myself as that’s what our high school team here always did before we took the field, and then the rest of my teammates heard me and started singing it with me. It was cool to bring a part of my team from home with me to the game.”