FOOTBALL Replacement coach guides Ridge to playoff contention

Shawn Brown took charge of the Rams in July and has them in first place.
By BRIAN RICHESSON
VINDICATOR SPORTS STAFF
MINERAL RIDGE -- Shawn Brown took over the Mineral Ridge High football program in August. Two months later, he has the Rams state-ranked and playing for the Inter-County League lead.
Brown, 30, had been an assistant coach for six years -- four at Southington, the last two at Mineral Ridge -- but didn't really envision himself as a head coach anytime soon.
"It was something I thought about, but I never really put a time frame on it," said Brown, a Lakeview High and Youngstown State graduate. "I was happy being an assistant."
Position opened
But Joe Stevens, who was about to begin his third year as the Rams' head coach, was placed on administrative leave following a July 20 arrest for driving under the influence and reckless operation.
The administration sought a replacement and first approached the assistant coaches. Brown, a fifth-grade teacher at Mineral Ridge Middle School, was chosen.
"It was a little overwhelming," Brown said. "After I got myself organized, I said, 'Let's just concentrate on two-a-days first and then worry about the first scrimmage.' We started to take it week to week after that."
The Rams' defensive coordinator the past two seasons, Brown has adapted to his head-coaching role. But he has noticed a difference in responsibilities.
"People look to you to make certain decisions," he said. "Managing people is the biggest part -- the players, the parents, the administration, teachers."
Former Bulldog
Brown played on the lines at Lakeview before graduating in 1992. He began coaching at Southington while attending Youngstown State.
"My brother [Tim] was playing at Lakeview at the time, and I thought I would enjoy doing that [coaching]," Brown said. "I applied at Southington and they hired me."
Now, he's been chosen to lead his own team for the first time, and the Rams have responded.
"There was a transition period," Brown said. "It [August] was a tricky month for these guys, but they stuck it together because they knew we had a good squad."
Recognition
The Rams enter this pivotal week 16th in the Division V state poll and eighth in the Region 17 computer ratings.
"Absolutely," said Brown, when asked if he expected this type of season. "We brought 11 starters back on offense and eight on defense. They have the ability and the guys have done it this year."
Arguably their biggest test of the season looms Friday night when the Rams play host to unbeaten South Range. Both teams are tied for first in the ICL with 5-0 records.
"They have a great tradition down there," Brown said of the Raiders. "Their offensive linemen block well, they have good running backs, and their quarterback, [Ryan] Maxwell, is a tough, fast kid. Their defense plays tough, too."
Brown, however, has settled his own program while putting it in position to make the playoffs for the first time since 1998.
"We're winning," he said. "That always makes things go easier and smoother."
richesson@vindy.com