Every Friday, Westview freshman quarterback Graham Simpson’s phone lights up with a familiar message from his brother, Ty Simpson, a backup quarterback for Alabama.
“Hey man, good luck. Proud of you. Love you.”
Graham returns the sentiment before Alabama games. However, this Friday’s text was a bit different since Alabama had an open week, and Graham was preparing to lead Westview against Dyer County. “He told me he was going to be here,” Graham said, adding, “I thought I was just going to play poorly.”
Despite a rocky start, where he struggled with overthrows—including a missed touchdown pass to Asa Barnes—and was sacked twice, Simpson completed 12 of 20 passes for 398 yards and five touchdowns, leading the Chargers (5-0) to a 47-14 victory over Dyer County (4-1).
Ty and Jason Simpson, the boys’ father and UT-Martin coach, were in the stands and offered Graham some quick advice.
“We just told him to calm down, take the easy ones, and play ball,” Ty said, noting that Graham seemed a bit too hyped up. “We explained what the defense was doing and encouraged him to relax.”
Westview coach Matt McConnell also helped Graham settle in. “You’re good; just set your feet and make the throw. You’ll be fine,” McConnell reassured him. Once Graham found his rhythm, he excelled.
All three Simpsons have played quarterback, and Jason expressed pride in Graham’s progress in just five games. He reflected on Ty’s freshman year, when the Chargers finished 2-8, saying, “It’s all part of the learning process. Ty knows firsthand how far Graham has come compared to his own freshman year. You can’t rush it; you just have to experience it.”
