David Grooms
Riverside sophomore Andrew Brown (17) earned his first win as a starting varsity quarterback.
Garrett Mitchell
'Last week against Travelers Rest I watched almost 10 hours of film. It didn't really show on the scoreboard but I'm happy with the win.'
– Sophomore QB Andrew Brown
Submitted
Andrew Brown is honored as Offensive Player of the Week at the Greer TD Club for his performance last week versus Travelers Rest.
He had studied too much film and worked too tirelessly to prepare for his first varsity start for it not to.
Brown's pass to White found its mark as the senior wideout raced 47 yards to the end zone, cementing the team’s first win, 7-3, over the Devildogs.
"(The play) was a roll out and Kris was crossing the field," said Brown, in his first varsity win at QB. "I kind of just planted my feet and threw it right to Kris and as soon as it left my hands I knew it was going to be a touchdown. Hearing the crowd erupt, all of this adrenaline went through my body and it was just an awesome feeling."
That feeling was amplified for a Riverside team that earned its first victory since defeating Wade Hampton 17-0 on Oct. 14, 2014. Brown, who finished with 108 yards passing and 46 yards rushing, said he was thrilled to help provide the moment for his teammates.
"It was huge," Brown said. "Last year we went 0-11 and everyone was down on themselves at practice. We came out here Monday and everyone was upbeat and ready to get to work on beating Eastside, our big rival."
Riverside plays at Eastside Friday at 7:30 p.m.
Brown considers himself a student of the game and he has worked to prepare himself for the starting role. He led the Warriors' C team a year ago.
"I watch a lot of film all throughout the week," said Brown. "I text with a lot of the varsity guys, the running backs and the wide receivers, and we try to get on the same page. Last week against Travelers Rest I watched almost 10 hours of film. It didn't really show on the scoreboard but I'm happy with the win."
Brown's dogged work ethic hasn't gone unnoticed by Warriors Head Coach Phil Smith.
"I know (Andrew) and our quarterbacks coach, Grayson Howell, really communicated all week back and forth about some of the things that Andrew saw as far as watching the opponent and specific plays we could possibly run against what (Travelers Rest) was doing," Smith said. "It just shows his ability and his mental capacity to be a student of the game. Obviously the preparation he had was well worth it."
There is a new level of confidence buzzing around the Riverside program. Brown wants to take the Warriors to new heights and it's something he said he and his teammates talk about every day.
"Our goal is to go to the playoffs this year," said Brown. "That's all that we're talking about. I think that's a very accomplishable goal we can get. We not only want to go to the playoffs, we want to go further. Years ago we made the playoffs but didn't get past the first round. That would be big if we could get past the first round this year."
"He's just a winner," Smith said. "He's got the mentality, it's almost like a linebacker's mentality. The hard work he put in all summer long and in the weight room, he really filled out, and he takes to coaching. He's a great teammate to all of the guys."