EASTLAND — They’re off to a 7-0 start heading into this week’s crucial district game at Wall (7-0). 

They’re averaging 52 points per game, their quarterback (Behren Morton) has just committed to Texas Tech and they have so many people catching passes, it’s difficult to keep track of it all. 

The media has heaped praise on the Eastland Mavericks’ aerial attack, which by season’s end, could finish as one of the top producers the Big Country has ever seen in Class 3A.

Opposing defenses, however, are prioritizing something entirely different.

Lurking in the Eastland backfield outside of the media’s highlight reel, has been a 5-foot-10, 220-pound wrecking ball better known as Brandon Fielding — a vital element who has provided the Mavs with a tough short-yardage presence, red zone reliability and the avoidance of second-and-long situations. 

Without him, the Eastland spread offense would look radically different, and be far less physical.