Archer anchors Alma offensive line with experience, leadership
By Kevin Taylor
Alma Schools
For Brecken Archer, being an Airedale isn’t just about football - it’s about pride, family, and the bonds built in the trenches.
“It means a lot to play for this team and the people I play with,” Archer said. “I’ve learned to be a great teammate, a lot about leadership, and to be physical.”
A three-year starter on Alma’s offensive line, Archer has become a steady presence for the Airedales, bringing both experience and a team-first mindset into a season of transition. Alma enters the year under first-year head coach Jeremie Burns, with a new system and new expectations.
“We have a lot of new plays,” Archer said. “We have to learn the plays and learn to play with each other.”
That chemistry is something Archer understands well after gaining valuable experience early in his career. As a sophomore, he found ways to contribute despite not holding a starting role.
“There were a lot of kids bigger than me,” he said. “I didn’t start, but I played a lot. Whenever we ran the heavy package, I was the extra lineman. We ran that a lot.”
Now firmly established at left guard, Archer is expected to lead an offensive line that features Kayden Tilton at center, Parker Boyd at right guard, Carson Avant at right tackle, and Tristan Nutt at left tackle. Cody Burks is also expected to see time at left tackle.
Injuries impacted continuity along the line last season, with Tilton and Avant both missing significant time. Those challenges have reinforced a simple but critical key to success heading into the new season.
“Work together and not get mad at each other,” Archer said.
Offensive line coach Ryan Pointer believes Archer plays a key role in setting that tone. As someone who has been through multiple seasons, Pointer said Archer provides an example for younger players to follow.
“It means a lot,” Pointer said. “He has the experience. He’s someone who has been through it and knows what he’s doing. He knows what it takes, so he’s somebody for the younger guys to look up to.”
Pointer has also built a strong connection with Archer, who plays the same position Pointer once did.
“He’s playing the same position I played - left guard,” Pointer added. “I do see a lot of him in me. Maybe that’s why I’m so hard on him. I know what he can do.”
That expectation aligns with the message Pointer conveys to his entire unit.
“I tell them every day just to be physical,” he said. “I want them to show me what they’ve got and see if they can dominate the guy in front of you.”
For Archer, that mentality is part of what it means to wear the Alma jersey - something that carries added significance given his family ties to the program. His father, Lance, and cousins, Nick and Darek Archer, also played for the Airedales.
“It means a lot,” Archer said. “There’s a lot of adrenaline walking out.”
With experience, pride, and leadership on his side, Archer is poised to help anchor Alma’s line as the Airedales look to grow together under a new system.
BRECKEN'S STATS
Birthday: Nov. 2, 2008 - Shares a birthday with Daniel Boone (American frontiersman) and Jordan Love, NFL quarterback for the Green Bay Packers
Fun Fact: Is an avid golfer
Favorite Color: Red
Favorite Athlete: Brandon Bulsworth
Favorite Team: Dallas Cowboys
Favorite Food: Mexican
Go-To-Music: Rap and Country
Favorite Teacher: Lauren Self
Favorite Teammate: Kaden Tilton
Quotable: “He's (Archer) playing the same position I played - left guard. I do see a lot of him in me. Maybe that's why I'm so hard on him.” -
Ryan Pointer, on Brecken Archer