In football, the weeks leading up to the season usually involve determining who is QB1. At Brownsburg High School in Indiana, they began the season with QB1 and QB1A and the pair have the Bulldogs off to a 6-0 start and a number one ranking in the state. Head Coach John Hart showcases this innovative approach to the quarterback position by utilizing both a senior and a sophomore in meaningful game situations.
QB1 + QB1A
Senior Iosua Stephens and sophomore Oscar Frye bring different skill sets that Coach Hart and his staff leverage to great effect. Stevens, a strong athlete with a powerful arm, excels as a rusher, contributing 240 rushing yards and five touchdowns. Frye, a traditional pocket passer, has already thrown for over 1,000 yards and 12 touchdowns this season. This diversity allows Brownsburg to adapt its game plan based, switching seamlessly between a mobile quarterback and a pass-oriented approach.
Evaluating the Situation
Brownsburg’s offensive staff, led by Offensive Coordinator J.T. Whitaker, spent the summer evaluating both quarterbacks in various competitive scenarios, developing the two-quarterback system over time. They divided the team into two balanced squads, Purple and White, and had both quarterbacks lead their teams without knowing which squad they would command each day. Their approach created healthy competition and gave both players opportunities to showcase their abilities under pressure. Ultimately, the staff made the decision to continue using both quarterbacks during the season.
The coaching staff has tailored Brownsburg’s offensive strategy to fit the strengths of both quarterbacks, and it became a key element of the team’s success. They design plays and formations around each player’s abilities, much like NFL teams do with running back rotations. In this manner, the offense stays fluid and adaptable, keeping defenses off balance. For example, Frye may enter as a traditional passer, but the team mixes in running plays to break tendencies. Likewise, Stevens, known for his rushing, can surprise opponents with downfield passes when they least expect it.
Team First
Coach Hart emphasizes the importance of keeping the team focused and unified, preventing any division or controversy over the quarterback position. He builds a culture where the team’s success takes priority over individual statistics, maintaining harmony despite the unconventional system. As Coach Hart says, “Friday nights are the single best nine to twelve weeks of the year, and sometimes for everybody’s life.” By creating an environment where every player, even the third-string offensive tackle, feels valued, he developed a winning mentality at Brownsburg.
Brownsburg’s two-quarterback system gives them flexibility during games. The team alternates quarterbacks every two series, allowing each to establish a rhythm. The approach reduces the physical toll on both players, and allows them to always have a healthy quarterback ready. The strategy has paid off, giving Brownsburg a dynamic offensive attack that adapts to various game situations.
As Brownsburg continues their impressive season, their two-quarterback system stands out as an example of how high school teams can innovate and find success by maximizing their talent and embracing creative solutions. With Stevens and Fry leading the charge, Brownsburg is not only winning games but also setting a standard for adaptable offensive schemes.
