“I’ve got to control myself in the press box,” Shawn Jarzab said. “He’ll make a big run and I’m like ‘Go, Brad,’ and then I think, ‘Gosh I need to get back to work.’ ”
Brad is the signal-caller for the most prolific offense in the area through two weeks. The Braves (2-0) have gained 871 yards this season, more than any other local team. He leads the team in rushing with 197 yards and two scores and has thrown for 293 yards and three TDs.
He’s joined by a host of returners at running back, including Alex McCrory, Drew Young and Nick Costa, as well as Nick Hines, James Williams and Jordan Huggins at wide receiver in the Braves’ experienced, explosive spread attack.
“(Brad) is what makes the engine go,” said Shawnee coach Rick Meeks.
Two years ago, however, the Jarzabs were without a team. Brad was a freshman quarterback at Northwestern in 2008, but his dad resigned as the Warriors’ head coach after the season. He quickly joined Meeks’ staff at Shawnee as the wide receivers coach, bringing along a sophomore QB.
“We had to move out of necessity, but we were as happy and content being at Shawnee as we’ve ever been,” Shawn said. “It’s a great school district, and the coaching staff is great. The academics are phenomenal. It’s been a really great move.”
The first season at Shawnee, Brad Jarzab was the backup to Evan Storts, the 2009 Central Buckeye Conference Offensive Player of the Year. Last year, Jarzab had a breakout season, rushing for 1,094 yards and 20 TDs while passing for 928 yards and six TDs. He helped the Braves win the CBC Kenton Trail title and advance to the Division III, Region 12 playoffs for the second year in a row.
“I asked at the banquet last year, ‘How do you replace the offensive player of the year in the conference?’ ” Meeks said. “You put in the guy who’s going to be player of the year the next season.”
Meeks said Brad’s work ethic has played a big role in his success.
“He’s got one of the best work ethics of any kid I’ve ever coached,” Meeks said. “You’ve got to tune him down in the offseason. He’d get a sore shoulder and elbow in the winter because he’s working himself to death.”
The best part, the Jarzabs said, is getting to share the experience. The two talk football constantly, and said they’re lucky Brad’s mom, Donna, and sister, Laura, put up with it. The youngest Jarzab, sixth-grader, Matthew, also joins in the football talk.
“They hear football, football, football 24/7,” Shawn said.
“It’s an ongoing conversation no matter what, at the dinner table or just watching TV,” Brad said. The Braves host Urbana at 7:30 tonight in a battle of unbeatens. Brad knows it’s a big game, but said that’s the case every week.
“Every game is a big game if we want to get into the playoffs,” Brad said. Shawn said sharing the experience with this son, combined with the team’s success, has been a “a dad’s dream.” He said he’ll be a “blabbering mess” by the team the season’s over.
“It’s a dream come true, and I’m going to cherish it like crazy,” Shawn said. “I love him and I’m very proud of what he’s been able to accomplish.”
Contact this reporter at (937) 328-065, mcooper@coxohio.com or on Twitter @SNS_Wizard.
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