CoalfieldSports.com Week 9 OPOTW: Patrick Henry’s Zach Brown

 

 

In the historic “Give me liberty, or give me death” speech given by Patrick Henry, the first governor of Virginia said, “I have but one lamp by which my feet are guided, and that is the lamp of experience.”

Fast forward two and a half centuries later and that analogy can be used for a three year starting tailback at a school that bears that founding father’s name.

Patrick Henry tailback Zach Brown has used his experiences to guide him to an extraordinary season season on the ground. Most recently, that was showcased in Brown’s 12 carry, 199-yard performance against Honaker. He chipped in four touchdowns to lead his Rebels to a 46-15 win over Honaker at hostile Fuller Field.

For that performance, Zach Brown was voted the CoalfieldSports.com Week 9 Offensive Player of the Week.

“To be named player of the week is an honor,” said Brown. “I greatly appreciate all the recognition I receive and I have to give all the glory to the man upstairs!”

Coming off its bye week, Patrick Henry improved to 8-0 on the season with the win over Honaker. The game was tied 8-8 before the Rebels rattled off 37 unanswered points. It was an impressive performance by Coach Mark Palmer’s team.

“Having the break from bye week really helped my body recover and get me in better shape,” said Brown. “People say that the game is won on the line of scrimmage, they (Honaker) just couldn’t match our line’s power.”

That has been the theme all season for the Rebels. Brown & company have been putting up gaudy rushing numbers on the ground running behind one of the area’s best offensive lines. Brown has especially benefitted from the big guys up front opening the running lanes, as he had rushed for 1,452 yards and 20 touchdowns through the first eight games.

“I contribute all my success this season to the boys up front,” said Brown. “If they weren’t working as hard as they do then I wouldn’t be able to have the season that I’m having now.”

Image may contain: one or more people, people playing sports, football, grass and outdoorPhoto: SWVA Photography – facebook.com/SWVAPhotograhpy

The Rebels’ offensive line isn’t just partial to Brown. Brown’s partner in the backfield, junior Cody Smith, had rushed for 919 yards and 13 scores when the Honaker game was completed.

“Cody and I really feed off of each other, so the distribution of carries hasn’t been a problem,” said Brown. “When we’re both running the ball well, I really feel like we’re unstoppable.”

Through the first eight games for the Rebels, unstoppable was a very appropriate adjective. Brown & the gang were 8-0 and defeating their opponents by an average of 43-18. The 8-0 record is the squad from Glade Spring’s best since 1997.

It’s safe to say the Rebels have put many people in southwest Virginia on notice.

“We just want people to know that we’re hungry,” said the junior tailback. “We work hard through the week and make sure that we are always prepared for the game!”

Much of preparation comes from head coach Mark Palmer. Palmer brings 24 years of invaluable head coaching experience to Patrick Henry.

“Coach Palmer is a great coach,” said Brown. “He has taught me countless life lessons through football that I will keep with me through my life!”

 

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

All content is the property of the owners and writers of CoalfieldSports.com unless otherwise specified. For advertising inquires please contact ehilton@coalfieldsports.com