By Kevin Mills,Staff Writer

LISBON FALLS – Chris Brunick’s career as a quarterback could be short-lived, but it very well could be a memorable one.

Brunick stepped under center for the first time this fall and has made the most of the opportunity. The senior has helped guide the Lisbon Greyhounds to a 9-1 record and has his team two wins away from a state title. Lisbon hosts Boothbay in Saturday’s Western C championship game.

After such success in his first year at the position, the senior can’t help but wonder what could have been had his stint lasted long. Winning a state title in his lone year, however, would certainly be proper compensation.

“That would be great,” he said. “I wish I could have been able to play for more than one year, because I think I would have matured a lot better and become a good quarterback.”

Of course, Dick Mynahan isn’t complaining with what he’s gotten from his one-year wonder. He hoped Brunick could fit the bill when he was tabbed as the QB over the summer. He hasn’t disappointed, emerging as a team leader and catalyst for the offense.

“He’s really worked hard to become a real good quarterback,” said Mynahan. “I think he’s done an excellent job.”

Brunick approached Mynahan nearly a year ago with the idea of playing the position. Brunick had been a running back during his three years with the program. He was a backup quarterback as a freshman and saw action in part of one game.

“After last season, Chris came in to see me the day after we collected equipment and told me he wanted to play quarterback,” said Mynahan. “It’s been on his mind ever since last season.”

His coach helped make it a reality, asking him last summer if he was up for the task this fall.

“He said How would you feel about playing quarterback?'” said Brunick. “I said, I’ll try it out.'”

“I was excited about it really. I’d never played quarterback regularly. So it was a new experience. I’ve always had a good arm and stuff. So I was thinking that I could do it.”

Brunick came into the season prepared. He’d attended various football camps and worked on his game. When Mynahan got his first look at his new field general in preseason, he wasn’t too concerned.

“When we had our first week of preseason, he came in strong,” said Mynahan. “He came in passing the ball. I knew right then and there that I had a starting quarterback on my hands.”

It was still a tough situation to put a player and a wealth of responsibility to shoulder. Having the skill for the position was one thing, but having leadership and composure was another.

“The only thing I was nervous about was that he’d never played quarterback in a game,” said Mynahan. “The first two games, they went very well. The third game (at Mattanawcook), he was nervous the first part of the first half and it showed. The second half, he led us to two touchdowns. He led us, and he became a quarterback that day. He was playing under pressure, and he really stepped up. He’s been stepping up ever since.”

Brunick and the Greyhounds haven’t lost since that 21-14 loss to the Lynx, and he’s only gotten stronger with each outing.

“I’m really used to it now that the whole season has gone by,” said Brunick. “I’m pretty confident.”

Brunick has worked on his accuracy and throwing on the run. He’s developed a presence on the field and a command of the offense. Between his passing and his running, he gives the offense more options.

“He’s not afraid to call his own number in a key situation,” said Mynahan. “Last week against Livermore, he picked up two first downs with his own plays. He just saw them and called them.”