Going to the 6A D2 state championship game two years in a row is no easy task. The Summer Creek Bulldogs, led by their senior wide receiver turned quarterback, Blake Thomas, knows this firsthand. Thomas led Summer Creek as far as possible before falling short to Vandegrift 31-34 in the semifinal round.
“It’s always hard playing five games after a regular season. It affects the body, and you really have to push through it until the end,” said Thomas.
In the 2023 state title pursuit, Summer Creek experienced this firsthand. The Bulldogs’ then-starting quarterback, Tristan Sanchez, suffered a season-ending ACL injury, forcing Blake Thomas, the team’s leading wide receiver and backup quarterback, to step into the leadership position.
“Quarterback wasn’t in the plan,” Thomas said. “But I wanted to step up for my team when they needed me most.”
According to Max Preps, in 16 games played, Thomas accounted for 27 passing touchdowns while throwing for over 2,487 yards. As a junior, Thomas took Summer Creek to the school’s first-ever state game appearance but fell short to a loaded DeSoto team 14-74.
This loss taught the Bulldogs that nothing is given, but everything is earned. It also reminded Thomas that he would have to train for two positions in the off-season: quarterback because the team needed his play at that position and wide receiver because that’s his true position.
“During the offseason, I worked to refine my skills at both positions,” said Thomas. “I had summer workouts in the morning where I’d focus on the quarterback position, then I would work on the wide receiver position in the evening. On the weekends I attended camps where I worked at showing my speed and ability to create separation while in my routes.”
After running consistently 4.4-4.5 seconds in the 40-yard dash, showing the ability to create separation and strong hands to the catch point, Thomas’ efforts paid off. 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. It wasn’t until the fifth game of the season that an opponent scored on the Bulldogs with Astascocity putting up 42 points. Atascocita went on to win 42-39.
The Bulldogs didn’t lose another game until they met North Shore in week 10, where they would fall 35-10.
While Summer Creek only suffered two losses in one of the toughest districts, 6A Region III District 23, the important factor was to remain healthy. Playoffs require a healthy team to make the deepest run.
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
