Two Badger linemen commit to play at Howard Payne University
By JEREMY HEATH Staff Writer

Justin Henderson and Brandon Kirkpatrick's friendship has been strengthened by spending the last four years together in the trenches.

They've developed a bond the strength of which only fellow offensive linemen can comprehend. The two Lampasas High School seniors now will have the opportunity to spend four more years strengthening that bond.

On Wednesday morning, both Henderson and Kirkpatrick committed to play football at NCAA Division III Howard Payne University in Brownwood.

"(The location) weighed in to my decision a little bit," said Henderson, who plans to major in computer information systems and minor in business. "I didn't want to be too far to come home and visit (read: hand mom my dirty laundry), but I wanted to be far enough away to have some independence. It's a good school, so I'm excited."

Kirkpatrick, who will study criminal justice, also factored location into his decision.

"It's close enough to visit, but it's far enough to be on your own and support yourself," he said. "It also helps to have a close friend (Henderson) there with you." "Yeah, someone you can count on," Henderson added.

Howard Payne is coming off a 1- 9 season in which it lost two games in overtime and three more by a touchdown or less. Steve Fanara, who served as the team's defensive coordinator the past three seasons, will take over as head coach next year.

Henderson and Kirkpatrick will not only have to work to forge their identities on the football field but also in the classroom and social circles -- another reason Henderson is glad his buddy will be there.

"It allows you to fit into the community without having to worry about not knowing anyone and having to meet everybody," he said.