2 compete for Crimson Tide’s starting quarterback job

Junior Brody Herndon (4) and sophomore Andrew Allen (3) are competing to be Pottsville's starting quarterback this fall. Photo by Bob Lipsky

Pottsville enters preseason camp with a quarterback competition.

Junior Brody Herndon and sophomore Andrew Allen are vying for the starting job under center for the Crimson Tide.

“They’re the best of friends,’’ Pottsville coach Mike Brennan said. “They’re both physically and mentally tough. They’ve done a great job in the weight room in the spring and the summer.

“I feel very good about where we are with both of them right now,’’ Brennan added. “They’re developing quickly with Rick Painter, our quarterback coach, and Tyler Hartranft, our offensive coordinator.’’

Hartranft previously coached at Hamburg, and Painter is one of several former Crimson Tide players on Brennan’s staff. In high school, Hartranft played quarterback for Brennan at Blue Mountain. As an offensive coordinator, he turned the Hawks into an explosive unit, averaging 36.7 points per game and 398 yards of total offense during the past two seasons.

“They’re getting great tutelage, and we feel that both of them will be ready in Week 1,’’ Brennan said. “We’re not sure how that’s going to unfold yet.’’

The Crimson Tide will have to select a starter before the season opener Aug. 23 at Shamokin Area. After heat week wraps up, Pottsville will put on full pads Monday, Aug. 12, for a full week of practice before hosting District 4 power Mount Carmel in a scrimmage at 10 a.m., Saturday, Aug. 17.

Brennan said both of his quarterbacks have quality skill sets but employ different styles.

The coach described Herndon as “thick and physical … a little more like a linebacker.’’

Herndon also has played safety for the Tide.

Brennan described Allen as “a little more wiry … very smooth, very athletic.’’

Herndon and Allen played sparingly last season, combining to complete 30 passes for 388 yards.

They will look to turn around the fortunes of a team that went 3-7 a year ago and missed the postseason for the first time since 2015. After a quarter century of coaching, including highly successful stints at Mount Carmel and most recently Danville, Brennan will have a decision to make.

Herndon, a 5-foot-9, 180-pounder, has a little starting experience under his belt. He’s also a basketball player for the Tide.

“Being locked in at all times is very big for the team,’’ Herndon said. “It should be an exciting season.

“If there’s pressure, I can get out of the pocket,’’ he added. “I can run. That’s a big part of being a quarterback nowadays.’’

Allen, a 5-9, 155-pounder, is a three-sport athlete for the Tide. He also competes in basketball and baseball.

“I love the competition. I think it makes both of us better. … It’s been fun so far, ups and downs obviously,’’ Allen said. “Everybody’s focused, locked in, ready to go. Everybody’s really hyped about the practices and the games.’’

Added Brennan: “Brody operates more on grit, and Andrew operates more on savvy.’’

Junior Brody Herndon is competing to become Pottsville’s starting quarterback this fall. Photo by Bob Lipsky