Elk City High School senior Brycen Steward is embracing his final season on the football field with a clear sense of purpose, shaped by family, discipline and the bonds built through the game.

Steward, who plays center for the Elks, said his biggest inspiration comes from his father, someone he turns to for guidance through both football and life.

“My inspiration is my dad,” Steward said. “He’s a person that I can anytime go to and just talk to, get advice on what to do in life because you don’t always know what’s going to happen.”

As he enters his senior year, Steward understands the significance of what he calls his “last ride.” A strong student who enjoys math and algebra, he credits his ability with numbers to his success in the classroom. He also points to a favorite teacher, Mrs. Stalls from McLean, Texas, as someone who made a lasting impact on his education.

On the field, Steward has experienced both memorable and difficult moments. One of the most shocking came during his sophomore season when an opposing player suffered a severe leg injury.

“It was a little gruesome,” Steward said. “A kid I played against snapped his femur in half.”

Despite moments like that, Steward said his favorite memory comes from playing alongside his older brother in their final game together.

“Even though it ended in a loss, I still will cherish it forever,” he said.

As a center, Steward handles one of the most physically demanding roles on the field, snapping the ball and immediately engaging defenders who often weigh more than 250 pounds.

“Snapping the ball and having to block a 250-plus-pound guy is tough,” he said. “Even if you are 270 and pretty strong.”

Still, Steward thrives on the support and accountability within his team.

“When you’re wrong, someone is going to help you out,” he said. “It’s all for the love of the game.”

Away from football, Steward spends his free time lifting weights, playing Xbox, catching up on sleep or heading back to the field to improve.

Through it all, he said athletics have taught him lessons that extend far beyond the game.

“You have a limited time to play these games with these guys,” Steward said. “You’ve got to cherish it.”