The Classical Academy quarterback Andrew Brown (11) runs the ball in the first half of the 2A state championship game at Dutch Clark Stadium, Saturday, Nov. 30, 2024, in Pueblo, Colo. (Parker Seibold, The Gazette)
Andrew Brown exemplifies the three core values of passion, brotherhood and grit of The Classical Academy's football program.
But he has brotherhood on lock.
His football brothers got him through his first career start at TCA his sophomore season. The Titans triumphed over then-defending Class 2A state champion Eaton with a 19-16 win. Brown completed 7-of-10 passes for 34 yards.
As Brown grew in the sport alongside his teammates, his talent flourished. Now a senior, the stat line of the final game of his prep career reads 24-of-34 passing for 264 yards, four touchdowns and one interception in the 2A state final, the culmination of a perfect 13-0 season and the program's first-ever football state title.
For Brown, the credit then and now goes to his coaches and teammates.
"If I was a coach that put in a sophomore quarterback against a powerhouse school, I probably wouldn't have them throw a whole lot and I think that's what coach did and that's a smart move," Brown said of his first start. "My experience was gained. I was able to now read defenses and know coverages and be able to dissect a defense with my passes. I've been able to work with, in the offseason over the years, some great receivers that have helped me build my skill and hopefully I've helped them build their skills."
Playing all 13 games for TCA this season, Brown completed 123 passes on 214 attempts for 1,940 yards and a 26-4 touchdown-to-interception ratio.
It all adds up to an incredible season worthy of being the 3A-1A football Peak Performer of the Year.
Long before he played a down for varsity football, Brown found his passion for the sport watching his actual brother, Adam, play quarterback for Air Academy 10 years ago.
"They did not have a good team, but he set state records for passing yards. Their games were like 56 to 64 and they lost but he was an outstanding quarterback and he truly made me fall in love with the game of football," Brown said. "I remember coming home after my first football practice telling him that I got his number for my jersey."
Brown got his first taste of the sport in elementary school. Varsity coaches hosted junior Titan football camps to get a sneak peek at the future generations of TCA football players and provide an introduction to the program. It didn't take long for them to notice the talented young quarterback.
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"I think we've been seeing Andrew at those camps probably since he was a third grader. And then as you get older you can see who's developing and who's not," coach Justin Rich said. At some point we saw a little black-haired kid, that had a really good arm and that's when we said, 'heck, we got something there.'"
Brown and his TCA football brothers grew into the players the coaching staff hoped they would be. Brown noted that some players were at the first practice in third grade and at the Titans' state championship victory over Wellington on Nov. 30.
"We've been playing since second grade and we've been best friends ever since kindergarten. I've grown with these guys, I've been to their houses, I've gone to their birthday parties," Brown said. "They've been my best friends for a long, long, time and to be able to go on this ride with them is a true blessing."
The ride wasn't always pleasant. Brown said his team was "starving" for a state title following playoff losses the past couple seasons.
"It was horrible just how we ended last year, just a devastating loss to Delta last year on a game-losing safety and the year before that also losing to Delta coming up short at their place," he said. "On a personal level, I wanted nothing else but to win a state championship not only for myself and the team but also for the school and the program, knowing how much that would mean."
TCA's victory in November wasn't Brown's first trip to the state title game. As ball boy in eighth grade, he watched the Titans take on Rifle in a losing effort.
Finishing the work of those who came before him has been a motivating factor this season.
"All those guys who I've talked to, especially this year have said, 'Hey, go finish the job. Do it for us and do it for the guys who came before you,'" Brown said. "I think it just means so much that we can get it done for the school as a whole. To have the first one in the trophy case is a big deal to the school."
With high school in the rearview mirror, Brown hopes to join a new brotherhood on or off the gridiron. Adam and some of Brown's other older brothers watched the Titans' state title win online. Those brothers are all in the Air Force and much like he followed Adam's footsteps into football, Brown hopes to become a cadet at the Air Force Academy.
If not, he plans to attend a smaller Christian school. While he doesn't know if football is in his future, he's leaving it in God's hands and remains committed to serving in any capacity he can.
"Seeing (my brothers) serve, their servant and loving leadership, really just truly sparks my servant leadership in my heart. To be able to see them give their lives almost for this country, whether that be through their time, through their experiences, through their travels or what not," Brown said. "Day in and day out, to be able to serve their country servantly and humbly truly is a blessing to see. And I would love to join them in serving."