St. Joseph junior Rashad Brown had never started a game at quarterback until Friday night.
It was a tall order and a lot to ask from anyone in this situation, but Chargers coach Anthony Griffin said he was pleased with how the 5-foot-7, 165-pounder handled himself.
“The first time playing as the quarterback he did good,” Griffin said. “There were times when he was composed and he made some real good plays for us. Seemed like he was getting stronger as the game went on.”
The brief moments of inspiration from Brown and the Chargers were few and far between as they were outmatched from the opening kickoff in a 40-6 season-opening loss to Elmwood Park (1-0). A combination of injuries, penalties and mistakes sunk the Chargers (0-1) early.
Apart from a few brief stretches, Brown was under center for much of the time when St. Joseph was on offense and fought through the growing pains and the aggressive Tigers’ defense, which sacked him eight times. Brown utilized the option effectively in spots and showed off his athleticism and quickness, as well as a decent passing arm.
“I think I was all right out there,” Brown said. “I felt like I was able to make some plays and move the ball pretty well.”
Brown directed lengthy drives at the end of the first and second half that marched deep into the Tigers’ territory. While penalties cost the Chargers points in the first half, Brown persevered and in the fourth quarter tossed a 10-yard touchdown pass to senior receiver Willie Eiland to avoid the shutout.
“It felt good ending the game like that,” Brown said. “Made us feel better knowing we could make the plays we needed.”
The Chargers have a thin roster, so making plays and staying consistent will be a big challenge throughout the season. For players like Brown, it will be a trial by fire as they learn to adapt, but he said they realize it will be a challenge.
“We have to come together as a team,” Brown said. “We put ourselves on the line out there and we have to work through whatever happens.”
Eiland finished with three carries for 42 yards and three receptions for 15 yards. Sophomore running back Zachary Ford had 27 yards on 10 rushes.
The Chargers next take on an opponent at 7 p.m. Friday at Hanson Stadium that also will be trying to put its opener behind it. Kelvyn Park is coming off a 46-0 loss to St. Francis.
“We got guys out there who are fighters and who aren’t going to back down,” Griffin said.
Chris Vavra is a freelance reporter for Pioneer Press
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