Wylie juniors Jabriran Blake (12) and Daylon Gordon (1) have combined for 23 rushing touchdowns this season, 13 by Gordon and 10 by Blake. Photo by Elijah Kloepping / C&S Media
By David Wolman
When Wylie junior quarterback Jabriran Blake launched a fade pass during a 7-on-7 game against DeSoto at SMU in June, he initially thought he’d overthrown Daylon Gordon. But Blake wasn’t surprised when the speedy junior wideout tracked it down and hauled it in.
“I was very impressed — a lot,” Blake said. “He does so much.”
That play wasn’t just an impressive catch; it was a reflection of the trust between the two teammates.
Although this season marks Blake’s first as Wylie’s full-time starting quarterback, his chemistry with Gordon was already well established. The two have been teammates since their freshman year and also run together on the Pirates’ 4×100-meter relay team—Gordon on the first leg and Blake on the second. Those countless baton exchanges on the track have helped sharpen their timing on the field.
Through nine games, Gordon has recorded 159 touches for 969 rushing yards—an average of 6.1 yards per carry—and 13 rushing touchdowns. He credits much of that success to Blake’s dual-threat ability.
Blake, the Pirates’ second-leading rusher, has carried the ball 120 times for 502 yards and 10 touchdowns.
When asked who’s faster, Gordon didn’t hesitate.
“Definitely JB,” he said with a laugh. “His athleticism has been impressive and has allowed me to do as well as I am.”
That one-two punch has powered Wylie into playoff contention. The Pirates can secure a postseason berth for the fourth straight year with a win over crosstown rival Wylie East on Friday. A loss would likely end their playoff hopes—unless both Naaman Forest and Garland also lose.
Wylie opened District 9-6A play 3-0 but then dropped three straight before rebounding with a 49-28 win over Lakeview Centennial last week to regain control of its playoff destiny.
“The record is definitely not what we wanted,” Gordon said. “But this game on Friday is also meaningful because it’s against our neighbors.”
Even if Wylie East loads the box to stop the run, the Raiders will still have to account for Gordon as a receiver. After catching just 12 passes for 185 yards last season, Gordon has become the Pirates’ top pass catcher this year, leading the team with 560 receiving yards and four touchdowns.
His versatility has caught the attention of college recruiters. Gordon holds seven Division I offers—from SMU, Baylor, Tulsa, Texas Tech, Ole Miss, Houston and UTSA.
“Playing in college is definitely very cool and something that I’ve wanted my whole life,” said Gordon, last year’s District Newcomer of the Year. “There’s still a lot more to work for. In this era of college football, having a running back who is versatile is huge, and that’s something I’ve worked hard to be.”
Gordon even stepped in at quarterback when Blake was sidelined during an Oct. 17 game against Garland, completing 16 of 29 passes for 153 yards and a touchdown, while rushing for 177 yards and three scores.
“That was fun for me,” Gordon said. “The whole week was cool because I’ve worked with the wide receivers every day.”
Still, Gordon said the Pirates’ offense runs best when Blake is under center. Blake’s mobility and arm strength have given Wylie one of the most balanced attacks in the district. He’s thrown for 1,524 yards and seven touchdowns this season.
“I did a lot of work during the summer,” Blake said. “The coaches taught me a lot about play calls, leadership and winning games.”
Now, with the playoffs on the line, Blake and Gordon hope to connect for a few more highlight-reel plays against their biggest rival.
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