Grant receiver Max Hembrey has good reasons to be pleased with his junior season so far.
But one of his teammates might be even happier to see him make big plays. Max Hembrey’s older brother Jack, a senior, is the Bulldogs’ starting center.
“If you look back on film, you can see I’m the first offensive lineman sprinting downfield to celebrate with him,” Jack Hembrey said. “It makes me really proud to see him doing so well on the big stage, and it’s great, considering that we’re doing everything together.”
Given the difference in their ages, the Hembrey brothers played on the same team in alternate years while they were growing up. Jack Hembrey has been Grant’s starting center since 2022, and they reunited when Max Hembrey made the varsity team last season.
“We’re always talking to each other during games and filling each other in on what’s going on,” Max Hembrey said. “I want to make sure he’s doing well.”
They’re both doing well this season.
The 5-11, 250-pound Jack Hembrey is playing his best football, in large part because he’s 100% healthy. He had surgery in late 2022 after he suffered a torn labrum in his right shoulder in a car crash shortly after that season ended. His nearly nine-month rehabilitation ended in time for him to rejoin the lineup last season, but his level of play wasn’t where he wanted it to be while he wore a brace.
“It restricted my movement, which made it harder to run-block,” Jack Hembrey said. “Reach blocks were really hard because I couldn’t get my right arm over. I don’t wear it anymore, and it feels way better than it did last year.”
He was free to train harder this past offseason, and he has seen far-reaching benefits.
“Speed and agility helps with my get-off and helps me stay lower than everyone,” Jack Hembrey said. “If the defense gets lower than me, then they’ll get the push.”
Jack Hembrey has also taken a step forward among his teammates, being elected as a captain, and he showed his versatility last week when another player’s injury forced him to move to right tackle. He pulled off that switch without a hitch as the Bulldogs (2-1, 1-0) beat North Chicago in a Northern Lake County Conference game.
“He’s a kid that other kids look up to and definitely has a lot of knowledge,” Grant coach Tim Norwood said. “He’s a tough kid who’s been solid throughout.”
The 6-0, 155-pound Max Hembrey has improved too. He was productive last year, when he made 16 catches for 360 yards and five touchdowns as the Bulldogs qualified for the Class 6A playoffs. But he already has 11 catches for 258 yards and three touchdowns this season.
“He’s a big-play threat who can really stretch the defense,” Norwood said. “The touchdowns have all been long. He’s become a threat that other teams are realizing they need to account for.”
To get better, Max Hembrey studies how other receivers, including some in the NFL, enhance their skill set.
“I’ve definitely gotten faster, but my route running has significantly improved,” he said. “I’m also always trying to make my footwork better.”
Both of the Hembrey brothers want to reach their potential, and they lean on each other to do so. That process starts shortly after each game. They find some food, often at Taco Bell, and study film in their car.
Max Hembrey knows activities like that won’t be possible for much longer.
“When he goes to college, it will be a big change for me,” he said. “I’ll be all alone. So hopefully we can make his last season a special one.”
Steve Reaven is a freelance reporter.