By Scott Huff
The final seconds were ticking off the scoreboard clock at Indian Field as Souderton quarterback Denis Passarella was about to kneel down for a final snap.
Souderton held a 14-13 advantage over visiting power Neshaminy, and Indian junior Derek Brown was lined up deep in the backfield in ‘Victory’ formation. If you could have seen his face behind the facemask, you might have seen the trace of a smile.
It was a fitting place for Brown to be considering his huge contribution to the Souderton win. The Big Red was going to come up with a Big Win – and Brown played an enormous part.
“It was nice to earn a little respect,” said Brown. “The coaches stressed all week that we had to beat a National Conference team if we wanted respect.”
Respect was something that Brown had already earned among teammates.
“Derek may only be a junior, but he has the respect of all of his teammates,” said Souderton coach Ed Gallagher. “You don’t have to be a senior – or a captain – to be a leader.
“Derek has been extremely dedicated in the weight room,” added the coach. “And he has set a great example for the rest of the team.”
Indian fans may not notice Brown’s leadership off the field, but his performance on the field in the victory over Neshmainy was unmistakable on both the offensive and defensive side of the football.
Brown broke open a scoreless game in the second period with a sensational 43-yard touchdown run. It gave the Indians a lead it would never relinquish.
“The play was designed to go to the inside of the line,” said Brown. “But I was able to break it to the sideline – and I just kept running.”
Brown showcased his marvelous speed on the first score – and he showcased his power on the second touchdown. Brown was called upon three times from inside the Redskin five-yard line and finally bulled in for the score from the one-yard line.
“Derek showed both his speed and his power in the first half,” said Gallagher. “He went to a football camp at Vanderbilt University and scored very well in both the 40 and the vertical jump.
“But as good as he is on the offensive side of the ball, he might be a better player defensively,” continued the coach. “He is very extremely physical and loves to hit.”
The Neshaminy backfield and receivers can attest to that as Brown leveled a few Redskins over the course of the game and caused a crucial fumble with a jarring tackle. That ferocious hit in the second period set up his second TD blast.
Brown – who plays safety and anchors the superb Souderton defense - will probably punch his ticket to the college ranks as a defensive player.
“I really think that my strong point is on defense,” said Brown. “I like running the football, but I really feel that my strength is as a safety on defense.”
Brown hopes to lead Souderton beyond its first round District One playoff game this season. The Indians dropped a 14-13 contest to Downingtown East last season.
“I want to continue to go into every game and play with confidence,” said Brown. “And help the team win.”
Brown should be lined up in that ‘Victory’ formation more than a few times this season as both he and Souderton continue to gain that R E S P E C T.
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