Westmoreland football Q&A with Greensburg Central Catholic’s Brandon Brown

By: Bill Beckner Jr.
Wednesday, August 28, 2019 | 8:09 PM

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Teammates and coaches like to call Brandon Brown “Slow-mo” when he practices.

Yet Brown is considered by many of those same people to be the fastest player on the Greensburg Central Catholic football team.

The paradox sits well with Brown, a senior wide receiver and defensive back whose opening-night efforts allowed the Centurions to post a 21-18 home victory over Monessen last Friday night.

“The dude’s an athlete,” GCC first-year coach Bret Colbert said. “I had no idea he could run like that when I first met him. He didn’t know how to run like that in practice. It’s been part of his maturation process. He made some huge plays for us.”

The 5-foot-10, 165-pound Brown caught two passes — both for touchdowns — for 84 yards and also pulled down two interceptions in the Week Zero victory, Colbert’s first in his new position (he was an assistant at GCC for two years).

His touchdown receptions went for 61 and 23 yards, and the Centurions built a 21-6 advantage in the third quarter before holding off the Greyhounds, who were WPIAL quarterfinalists last year. Brown did his damage in about 3¹⁄₂ quarters after he cramped up.

Brown, who also plays basketball and lacrosse for GCC, lives in Monessen and knows many of the opposing players.

“Both of his picks were inside the 20, which was good for us,” Colbert said. “As a receiver, if you put the ball near him — we have a few guys like that — he is going to get it.”

Brown is the subject of this week’s Westmoreland Q&A.

What was it like opening the season with a win, and doing so against Monessen, no less?

It was a fun night. We weren’t sure how we’d be with a new quarterback (junior David Altimore). I had only played with Max (Pisula). We have a lot of faith in Dave.

You played Friday’s game for someone special?

My great grandmother (Aloa Brown) died a couple days before our game. I dedicated the game to her.

What were your expectations coming into the season?

I knew once we filled some question marks we would be all right. We had a lot of experience coming back. We needed a couple underclassmen to step up.

You’re the fastest guy on the team?

Yes. We haven’t had a race or anything, but I’m pretty sure I am the fastest.

Can GCC be a factor in Class A this season?

We play in a tough conference with the Big 3 — Jeannette, Clairton and Imani Christian. We want to be part of the Big 3. Those teams can beat teams in 3A and 2A.

You’re the team’s funny guy?

Yes, I am the class clown. I like to make people laugh.

Favorite TV show?

“Impractical Jokers.”

What’s the best place to eat in Monessen?

My grandma owns Anna Marie’s Restaurant. It’s an Italian place. I go in there and get the hook-ups. I love her ravioli. I could eat a dozen. I worked there the other day as a waiter.

Did you get some tips?

For sure.

GCC doesn’t have a decal on its helmets, just a black matte finish and a burgundy stripe. Do you like that?

It’s different, but we think it looks good.

Why are you “slower” in practice?

I don’t know. I guess I don’t run that fast in practice. But when the game starts, a switch turns on.

Who is your favorite pro athlete?

Odell Beckham Jr. He’s why I wear No. 13.

Ever have a one-handed catch, Beckham-style?

In practices and when I’m messing around, but never in a game. Coach Bret’s not a fan of them, but it’s one of my goals by the end of the season.

What did you think when Andrew Luck retired?

I was shocked, but once I read into it and saw it was for health reasons, I understood and respected it. Your body health is top priority.

Bill Beckner Jr. is a TribLive reporter covering local sports in Westmoreland County. He can be reached at bbeckner@triblive.com.

Tags: Greensburg C.C.