Prep running back explodes with impressive performance against North Bergen
St. Peter’s Prep veteran head football coach Rich Hansen knows that you just don’t easily replace marquee running backs. So when two-year All-Area standout John Solan took his 2,600 career yards off to Iona College after the 2001 season, the coach knew he had to find a suitable replacement.
In his mind, Hansen knew that Mike Brown was waiting in the wings. After all, the sophomore was an All-Area performer at defensive back last year as a freshman, so Hansen knew that Brown could handle the rigors of varsity football. But there had to be some apprehensions that Brown could be the one to become the next in a line of great Prep running backs.
"We had been down this road before, replacing good backs," Hansen said. "John had been so productive for us. He had such a great season last year (1,500 yards and 21 touchdowns) and Mike was kind of John’s understudy. Mike learned a lot and he’s such a gifted athlete, but there still was some question there."
Knowing that he was going to get his first chance at being the go-to guy last week against North Bergen, Brown admitted some apprehension.
"I was extremely nervous," Brown said. "I got to watch a very good back last year, so I knew what I had to do. So coming into the game, I didn’t know what to expect."
It didn’t take long for everyone to see what the speedy Brown could do. On his very first carry against the Bruins last Friday night, he broke loose for a 90-yard touchdown run.
"It was my first run and I had a 90-yard average," Brown laughed. "It’s tough to keep up that average."
However, Brown didn’t disappoint in his big debut, rushing for 158 yards on 13 carries and two touchdowns, leading the Marauders to a big 15-6 victory over their archrival in the season opener.
For his efforts, Brown has been selected as The Hudson Reporter Athlete of the Week for the past week. Brown is the first honoree of the 2002-2003 scholastic sports year. The weekly feature will culminate in the presentation of the 12th annual Athlete of the Year award in June of 2003. Each weekly honoree becomes eligible to be the year-end award winner, symbolic of being the premier athlete in Hudson County.
Brown said that he was surprised to break the big play on the first carry.
"However, the rest of the game, I wasn’t surprised," Brown said. "We just carried out the game plan. I’m the kind of back that the more carries I get, the better flow of the game I get."
Deep down, Hansen didn’t have major worries that Brown couldn’t handle the responsibility.
"We’re not talking about your normal sophomore here," said Hansen, who had no hesitation inserting Brown into the starting lineup a year ago, becoming the first freshman to start for the Marauders in Hansen’s 15-year tenure. "I’ve become so used to what Mike can do. He’s already done it. He’s a special kid, so mature for his age. He handles things so well and it goes beyond athleticism. He’s a competitor. He wants the ball, wants the pressure, wants to make plays."
Added Hansen, "It’s a big responsibility, so you want it on someone’s shoulders with those qualities to handle it. I was somewhat confident that he could respond, and I’m glad he did."
Brown, who is also a brilliant baseball player, knows that he will be a target of opposing defenses now, especially after his fine breakthrough performance last week. The Marauders face Hoboken this week.
"I know people are going to come hard after me because of my game last week," Brown said. "What happens next remains to be seen. I’m young and talented, but I don’t know what the future holds. We really have to wait and see."
"Because of this game, the bar has been raised," Hansen said. "The preseason expectations have now been backed up with a quality performance against a very good football team. Now, people are going to expect more and it’s up to Mike to perform. I know his work ethic and competitiveness. He’ll be fine."
And Brown will continue to make strides towards falling into place as the next in line.
"It was a good stepping stone, but I don’t know if I’m there yet," Brown said. "I don’t think I want that tag yet. But you never know what could happen."
The pieces are in place for Brown to live up to a lot of expectations. Chapter One was a rousing success. – Jim Hague