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As Talawanda quarterback Braden Park ran the option on his very first varsity snap during a preseason game, the sophomore spied a Lebanon linebacker hurtling toward him. Nanoseconds later, the two clashed.

"I saw the middle linebacker flying through the air ... he got me real good," Park said. "It just kind of woke me up, and I was like all right lets go — now it's time to play."

Like his first varsity snap from scrimmage the young quarterback has demonstrated a resiliency that has infected his fellow teammates. After losing their first two games, the Braves came from behind to upset Fenwick two weeks ago thanks to senior running back Tyler Williams' legs and Park's right arm.

For a quarterback, who does not even have his driver's license yet, Park possesses a composure inside the huddle that impresses his coach. During the Fenwick game, the 15-year-old converted 13-of-25 passes and threw for 120 yards.

Before games, the sophomore is cerebrally picturing plays, while other players are listening to music. Park explained he does not need the tunes to get revved up. His coach noted he possesses some special quarterback qualities.

"(Park) is about as flat-lined, composure-wise, as you can get," THS head coach Mike Wright said. "He doesn't get really excited. He doesn't get really down. He pretty much stays nice and steady. I think that's a good thing for a quarterback."

At times the budding QB has shown his youth. In the second game of the season, Park and Williams fumbled an exchange during a handoff at Kings. The Braves lost 42-22, but Park explained he does not dwell on the bad plays or games. He is always looking to bounce back.

"I know after a loss we always have next week to come back after a hard practice," he said. "I know my teammates aren't going to be down. If they are you've got to keep everyone up and excited."

Following the Kings loss, Park heaved a pass the next week at Fenwick he considers one of the best plays he has ever executed during his short varsity career. Park connected with Rhys Newman on a post pattern for a 38-yard touchdown pass.

Two years ago, Park could not have imagined he would be completing touchdown passes as a varsity quarterback. An avid baseball and hockey player, Park had never donned a football uniform until his freshman year at Talawanda.

"I started playing (football) last year and ever since I've loved it," Park said. "I used to play with friends in the neighborhood and play catch with my dad, but I didn't play in an actual game until last year."

Park's varsity football career was almost sidelined before it even started. Before every game the 15-year-old must tend to his right hand, which has four screws in it. Park injured his throwing hand last year while playing baseball for Talawanda.

While hockey and baseball may seem quite risky for a starting varsity quarterback to pursue, Park explained participating in different sports keeps him in the rhythm of competing.

With divisional play beginning next week at Mount Healthy, Park knows it's going to take a lot of sweat to make an impact on the Fort Ancient Valley Conference this year.

"We're going to have to come out one game at a time and work hard," he said. "It paid off against Fenwick ... hopefully when we get into league play we'll win some."

Contact this reporter at (513) 523-4139 or jgiordano@coxohio.com.