Football coaches like players who are versatile. Run the ball, catch it and even destroy an opponent’s game plan with a long kickoff return or punt return.

That was Rodney Brewer, one of the first that I can remember when I started covering high schools in the Valley in the late 1970s.

Rodney was one of the cornerstones of the program at Mesa Mountain View, coached by the great Jesse Parker.

Rodney had great speed and was very elusive. The school’s homecoming king was at his best in the Class 5A championship game against Scottsdale Saguaro, when his two long runs helped set up touchdowns as Mountain View capped an amazing run with a 41-23 victory. The Toros finished 13-1, winning all of their games after a season-opening loss to Phoenix Maryvale.

I was saddened to learn of Rodney’s recent death. His services were in Mesa on Wednesday (Sept. 19).

Rest in peace, Rodney.