An Inch at A Time: The Todd Brooks Legacy (NCAA 12)

[HoundsOfHowl]

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Coaches Bio:

Name : Todd Brooks
Age : 28
Hometown : Jonesboro, AR
Alma Mater : Arkansas State
Prestige : 68
Current Job : Arkansas State (OC)

Coaching Career

Valley View Blazers (HS) l 2006 -2009 l 25-18
Arkansas State Red Wolves (QB coach) l 2009 - 2011 l
Arkansas State Red Wolves (OC) l 2011 - l

Awards & Achievements

Overall Record : OC (7-5)
Conference Record : OC (5-3)
Bowl Record :
Conference Championships :

Current Goals

Job Security - 38%
2011 - 2013 ( Ark St OC )

2000+ total offensive yards in one season <<< l >>>>>> (Completed)
10+ passing TD in each season <<<< l >>>>
10 points per game in each season l >>>
Win 8 games in one season l >>>
500+ rushing yards each season <<<<<< l >>>
7+ passing TD in one season <<<< l > (Completed)
Win 4 games in one season <<<<<< l > (Completed)
2000+ total offensive yards each season < l >

Current Schedule

2011 - 2012 - Arkansas State

September 3rd - @ Illinois W 23-17
September 10th - Memphis W 42-9
September 17th - @#17 Virginia Tech L 21-63
September 24th - Louisiana Tech L 49-52
October 1st - @ Western Kentucky* L 24-31
October 8th - @ UL Monroe* W 17-10
October 18th - Florida International* W 35-24
October 29th - North Texas* ** W 31-24
November 5th - @ Florida Atlantic W 24-21
November 12th - UL Lafayette* L 31-34
November 19th - @ Middle Tennessee State* W 35-32
December 3rd - Troy* L 27-37

[HoundsOfHowl]

November 2002 - Jonesboro, AR

After leading Nettleton High School to a 8-2 season losing only to cross-town 5A rival, Jonesboro High, and to 4A Division rival Wynne, Todd Brooks the starting QB for the Raiders prepares for the first round of the 4A State Playoffs. The Raiders hadn't been to the playoffs since 1988 where they went 10-0. The scouts had been to a few of Todd's games but this is where he really had to step up and show how he played under pressure. He had talked to his father before the game and was told that a few Sunbelt scouts were in town as well as Tennessee and Arkansas, who were his first two choices. Todd knew this was his chance.....

It was pouring down rain as Todd led the Raiders on their first drive. Todd had only thrown 12 interceptions all season, with 42 passing touchdowns and 5 rushing. The game was against Watson Chapel who was 7-3 but had one of the best halfbacks in the state. With it pouring down rain and Nettleton's halfback out for another week, Coach Dover knew that this game would not be easy. The only time his quarterback, Brooks, had played in the rain was the first game of the season against Jonesboro High where he threw 4 interceptions in a 20-0 blowout. They were a pass heavy team, and the rain mixed with high winds was going to change their strategy. Todd led the Raiders onto the field in the miserable cold rain. Throughout the first half the Raiders nor Watson Chapel could move the ball effectively. Both teams had an interception and fumble in the half and the score remained tied at 0. After a long first half, Todd knew he had to make something happen on offense to make it to the next round. With 2:54 left in the 4th quarter, the Nettleton defense made a huge goal line stand on the 2 yard line. Todd straped on his helmet and gave his offense a small speech before taking the field. Nettleton marched down to the 40 yard line in 2 minutes leaving :54 seconds on the clock to go another 60 yards. Coach Dover ordered another running play on 3rd and 4 which got stuffed in the backfield. Both teams out of timeouts, Nettleton ran the clock down to :25 and lined up in the shotgun formation. Coach Dover was going for it all right here. "Trips right, 47 - 34 on three," said Brooks as the broke the huddle. Brooks dropped back and surveyed the field as a defender broke through and was rushing right towards him, he juked to the left and slipped in the mud, but regained his balance. Todd saw an opening in the line and took off for the first down marker. 21 yards later he slid into the mud setting up 1st and 10 on the 39 yard line. The clock did not stop and Brooks lined back up in the shotgun, snapped the ball quickly and dumped it off to his wideout on a slant route. It was after that play with only :10 seconds left on the 9 yard line they spiked the ball. Coach Dover had faith that his field goal kicker would do the job, so out came the field goal unit. As the ball was snapped the kicker did his job effectively, securing the win 3-0 as the Raiders advanced in what was probably Todd Brooks worst game. With scouts watching how he did in poor weather, throwing 2 interceptions and going 10/35 with only 95 yards, it affected his value. The Raiders next opponent was going to be on the road against division foe, Osceola Seminoles.

[HoundsOfHowl]

November 2002 - Osceola, AR

After a long week of practicing, Todd Brooks and the Nettleton Raiders were preparing for their 2nd visit to Osceola this year. The Seminoles, who went 9-1, were a tough opponent for Nettleton, but Nettleton squeezed by 21-17. Todd Brooks threw for 253 yards and 4 touchdowns in Osceola just four weeks ago and was preparing to do the same this week, but after losing some confidence last week he knew it would be tough.

Coach Dover told Brooks before the game to remember the film and the way they played four weeks ago and you will do fine. Brooks listened and prepared to take the field. With the weight of scholarships and the state playoffs weighing down on him Brooks was having a hard time focusing on his gameplan. The Raiders first drive went terrible. "1st and 10 from the 23 yard line," said the announcer. The ball was snapped high over the head of Brooks, he ran back to where the ball layed and fell on it. After the 8 yard loss, the Raiders came out in the shotgun formation and went to try this again. The ball came out from under the center and Todd Brooks read the field, finding what he thought was an open reciever but failed to spot the mike linebacker sitting happily in the zone. The linebacker picked off Brooks and broke a few tackles and ran the ball in for the score. "Touchdown Seminoles!!!!" screamed the announcer, as the stadium erupted in cheers. Brooks came back with his head down and was greeted by angry coach Dover. Dover gave Brooks a talk and got him ready to take the field after the kickoff. The rest of the first half was a stalemate defensive battle. Going into the locker room down 10-0, the Raiders were not feeling great and knew that they needed to give them hell if they expected to win. Coach Dover gave them a speech as they sat in the locker room with their heads down. Todd Brooks had been beaten up badly in the first half and if the offensive line could hold their blocks for a second or two longer, there was a great chance for the Raiders to win. Dover and the offensive coordinator went over their new plan for the second half and decided to keep the ball on the ground for the first few drives and play defense. Brooks did not agree with this desicion but had no choice but to go along. The Raiders took the field ready for the last half of this battle. After the first few drives of running and being shutdown in 3-5 plays each drive, coach Dover told Brooks to run I-24 X2. Brooks lined up in the I-formation with two receivers to his right. Brooks ordered the snap and faked the handoff to his halfback, rolled out to his left as his Y reciever cut across the field left wideopen, he lead the pass in front of his reciever. The pass was complete and the reciever had a clear path to the endzone. Brooks ran towards the sidelines cheering after tossing his first playoff touchdown. The score at the end of the 3rd quarter was 10 - 7. In the 4th quarter, Brooks lit up the field and tossed for 3 more touchdowns and the Raider defense racked up another. The Raiders pulled off a great 2nd half comeback winning 35-13 against the Seminoles. After the game the team celebrated the whole way back home, talking about how good they did and who did what. Brooks was awarded his 7th game ball of the season and happened to hear that a few scouts on his list were at the game, but unfortunatly Arkansas and Tennessee skipped out.

After getting back home, Todd was greeted by his girlfriend, Jordan. They decided to go celebrate at a bonfire at her house. Todd knew that he shouldn't be drinking but chose to anyways. After a few hours of the bonfire the cops were called for a noise complaint. When they showed up everyone tried to scatter, but a few unlucky ones didn't make it out. Brooks was one of the 3 Raiders that didn't get out of there in time. Brooks knew that this next week would be the worst. He possibly could have lost his starting job, maybe even be kicked off the team. But that news would have to wait til Monday when he showed up to school, right now he had to face his parents who were extremely pissed and ready to beat him. After punishing him, his parents let him go think things over. Todd knew that this chapter of his life could end badly, but maybe things would work out in the end.....

[HoundsOfHowl]

November 2002 - Jonesboro, AR

After returning to school the Monday after the big win in Osceola and getting busted at the bonfire, Todd had to face Coach Dover with his other 3 teammates during practice. Dover was very unhappy and had them in his office at the start of practice and discussed what their future held for them. After discussing the situation he decided that it was in the best interest for them to sit out the next game, since they were not arrested. Coach Dover feared playing Stuttgart this week without his star quarterback, but luckily the sophomore back up had some great experience in junior high. With the return of the starting halfback the Raiders stood a chance. Stuttgart Ricebirds were 7-3 to end the season but shut out both Pulaski Academy and Alma in the first two rounds of the playoffs.

After coming out on the field without pads on, Todd looked in the stands for scouts. He noticed a few but until after the game he wouldn't know who actually attended. He was disappointed in what he did knowing it would hurt his chances for big scholarships, but he knew his job was to help the backup get his first varsity win. Nettleton recieved the ball to start the game and during the opening kickoff, the Raiders took it all the way back to open up the game to 7-0. The Ricebirds did not take the kickoff return lightly and opened up their first drive with a 39 yard touchdown pass to tie the game up at 7. The teams throughout the first quarter did not do much in the way of running, but neither team could score again until the 3rd quarter. It was Stuttgart with a huge pass play leading them on a 93 yard drive in only :24 seconds that gave them a 14-7 lead with 2:08 left in the 3rd. Nettleton could not answer back and Stuttgart made a field goal in the first 5 minutes of the 4th quarter to go up 17-7. Todd could only sit there and watch as his mistake 7 days ago dwindle his chances of a state title. Three interceptions later, the backup quarterback finally connected with a reciever for a 22 yard touchdown pass. Nettleton had only 2:39 left in the game trailing 14-17, coach Dover ordered an onside kick to better their chances of winning. Nettleton lined up in a regular kickoff formation, but pooched the kick and ended up recovering the ball. Marching down the field, Nettleton was on the 4 yard line with :12 seconds left. "1st and Goal on the 4 yard line," said the announcer. Nettleton lined up in a goal line formation and went to the air on the first 2 downs, both incomplete. It was 3rd and Goal with only :04 seconds left and coach Dover kept the kicking unit on the sideline and motioned a play onto the field. Todd could only sit and watch as the Raiders lined up for a game clinching touchdown. The ball was snapped to the quarterback in the shotgun formation, the quarterback rolled out to the left side of the field, surveying, seeing no open recievers he tucked the ball and ran. It was decided on the 1 yard line, where he dove up over the defenders but was hit as he stretched out his arm to make it over the goal line. After hitting the ground and being piled on by defenders, the refs met in the middle of the goal line as both sides of the field were cheering as they felt their teams won. The referees broke their huddle and the umpire walked a few yards away, as he was getting ready to give the signal the field was so quiet you could hear a pin drop. The umpire raised up both of his hands signaling a touchdown and the Raider sideline rushed the field, as well as their fans. The band was playing their alma mater song as the fans and players celebrated on the field. Todd was the first one to make it to his backup quarterback and congratulate him on his first playoff and varsity win. Todd looked at the score board to see it say Raiders - 20 Visitors - 17, when he saw that he was overly excited and knew that the next week would be his biggest game ever.

After the game Todd visited with his dad and asked him about the scouts. His father, James, told him that after hearing about the incident last week only a few small schools had shown up. Todd was wrecked about the news, and knew that his chances of getting a scholarship to Tennessee or Arkansas were probably out of the picture. He began weighing his options of staying at home with his family and girlfriend at Arkansas State, or possibly going to Lousianna Tech. He knew that Arkansas State would probably be his best choice, but he was still going to try for the few SEC schools on his list. He and his girlfriend went back to his house after the game to watch a movie with his parents, since he was grounded after last weeks incident. They talked about the game and how well the backup played under the pressure. Jordan, Todd's girlfriend, was a two years younger than him, so she was concerned about where he was going to go for college. She was begging him to go to Arkansas State, but told him that she supported any desicion. They had been dating for 3 years now, and he didn't want to leave her behind, but he loved football more than anything. Todd was excited about the upcoming state title game in Little Rock at War Memorial Stadium this coming Saturday, but the game would not be easy. Todd heard on the news that Wynne Yellowjackets had beaten Searcy 49-3. Wynne was Nettletons only conference loss this season, and was a division rival. Todd knew that it would take his best game to bring home a state title for the Raiders and knew that it was going to be a busy week.

[HoundsOfHowl]

December 2002 - Little Rock, AR

The time for the Raiders to board the bus to leave for Little Rock. It was Wednesday and they were heading there to prepare for their upcoming state title game against undefeated Wynne Yellowjackets. There was a crowd of students and parents and fans lining up the path to the busses. As they were screaming and cheering loudly the team ran out of their locker room wearing their jerseys and blue jeans as they gave out high fives and jumped around with their fans. Before boarding the bus they sang their alma mater and fight song one last time before taking the field on Saturday. Todd was the last one to board the bus as he kissed Jordan goodbye as she wished him luck. After a 3 hour bus ride the team finally arived at their hotel, which they had assigned rooms. As they made it to their rooms they noticed that the cheerleaders had already decorated the rooms. Todd was roomed with the halfback and two recievers. They were all excited but knew that the next two days of practice would be hell. The weather forecasters were predicting a couple inches of snow Friday night and in to Saturday night. Not one of the Raiders had played in the snow before, so if it did happen to snow it would be a new challenge for them.

Saturday finally came, after a few days of extra film sessions and practicing out in the cold. The Raiders went over their game earlier this season with the Yellowjackets. Todd had thrown three interceptions and only one touchdown in the previous game with Wynne. As they warmed up on the field during the pregame, Todd surveyed the large crowd and knew this was the most people that he ever played in front of, but kept in mind that this was just another game on the field. The teams had went back into their locker rooms as they prepared to take the field. Coach Dover had one last pregame speech to give to his Raiders. After getting his team fired up with lots of emotion, the Raiders lined up in their tunnel as the cheerleaders had formed a spirit line. Their fight song was blaring on the field as the Raiders ran through the smoke onto the field, they huddled up on the 50 yard line and jumped around chanting and yelling. After the coin toss the Raiders took the field to kick the ball off. The 4A state championship was under way! Todd watched from the sideline as the defense made a three and out stand against the Yellowjackets. After the punt the Raiders were lined up around mid-field. Todd lined up under center, took the snap, and rolled out to his left faking a handoff to the halfback. Todd was heavily blitzed by the 'Jackets, and could not shake off the defenders and was sacked by two Yellowjackets. As he was going down he lost the ball and was recovered by Wynne. Todd was stunned as he returned to the sideline, as he had his head down and headed straight for the bench hearing the coaches yell at him. Wynne answered with a touchdown and kept the game a 7-0 lead ending the first quarter. The 2nd quarter was very bad for the Raiders. Todd came out throwing 2 interceptions, one returned for a touchdown, and Wynne scored another touchdown and a field goal. Going into the half the Raiders were down 17-0. The locker room for the Raiders was a ghost town as coach Dover stormed down on his team. Todd still had his head down and Dover lit into him, letting him know to pick his head up or they weren't going to have a chance to win. The Raiders took the field after a long halftime. Todd lined up again after they took a touchback on the kickoff. Todd opened up the second half with a long 80 yard touchdown pass to his tight end giving the Raiders some hope of winning this title. The Yellowjackets answered back with a 20 yard fieldgoal. The score was 20-7 as the bitter cold set in, and a heavy snow began to fell. The Raiders were not too happy about this snow knowing it would make the game harder for them being down 13. Todd went back onto the field, with 4:40 left in the 3rd. Todd handed the ball off to their halfback as he slipped through the line and past the secondary, he broke for a 41 yard rushing touchdown. "Touchdown Raiders," the announcer stated. After several 3 and outs and stuffed drives, there was 7 minutes left in the 4th quarter. Nettleton down 20-14, Todd was ready to take the field yet again. Todd continued to hand the ball off to keep from throwing interceptions, but now the time came for another play action pass. Todd got the signal from the sideline for the same play they ran first. Todd knew that if he messed this up the game was surely out of reach. Todd rolled out left after faking the handoff, and the snow was so heavy he could barely see a reciever. Todd tucked the ball and ran, dodging a defender as he reached the 13yard line after sliding down. The next play Todd found a reciever on the 4 yard line, and he continued into the endzone to tie the game up at 20. Nettleton lined up for the extra point, but the place holder muffed the snap and the failed the PAT. Both teams failed to put up any more points in regulation. It was in overtime where this game would be decided. Wynne had taken the field first. Wynne on their 5th play put the ball in the endzone, making the score 27-20. Nettleton came out running the ball on their first two plays, only getting 6 yards. On the third play Todd dropped back in the pocket and surveyed the field looking for a reciever, Todd found the Z reciever running his slant route, but never saw the incoming safety. Todd bulleted the pass in front of the reciever, as the ball connected Wynne had made their 4th interception against the All-State quarterback and won the 2002-03 4A Arkansas State Football Championship. Todd was shocked as well as the rest of the Raider sideline. Todd knew that returning home would be a long dreaded ride. After coach Dover giving a motivating speech in the locker room, the players left to go home. Todd met up with his parents and girlfriend, they comforted him as he was very upset. This was his worst game and it came at the worst time. Todd now had only to focus on his future and where he would attend college at. Graduation was not very far and neither was next fall, so Todd had to really think in the upcoming months about everything...

[HoundsOfHowl]

April 2003 - Jonesboro, AR

4 months have gone by, and Todd Brooks had made alot of descions for his future football career. He had been hitting the books hard to make sure his GPA and test scores were good for getting in a great college, he had also been hitting the weights and field preparing for his next step in football, college. After talking with his parents and his girlfriend he had narrowed his schools down to three, Tennessee, Arkansas, and Arkansas State, but only one problem had showed up, no scholarships had came in from his first two schools. After the off field problem he had back in November, and his lack of potential shown during the playoffs, Tennessee and Arkansas never showed any more interest in the all-state quarterback. He had recieved a scholarship offer from Arkansas State mid-way through his senior year, and he could not wait any longer on making a desicion. He had contacted coach Steve Roberts at Arkansas State to invite him to Nettleton High School for him to sign his letter of intent. After setting up for signing, Nettleton had set up a huge set in their performing arts center for all of his family and students to come watch. The local news had shown up for the event, as this was the first time that a Nettleton quarterback had went to a D1 college. Before taking the stage Todd talked with coach Roberts about how excited he was to sign with the (then) Indians. Todd's parents were sitting at the table at the center of the stage as he walked out next to coach Roberts. Todd sat down and was surrounded by Arkansas State memorbilia. Coach Steve Roberts handed Todd a peice of paper with all the scholarship info and a line at the bottom marked by an 'X'. Todd put his signature next to the 'X' and was officially signed as an Arkansas State Indian. After signing, students began to clap as Todd put on an stAte hat. Todd stood up and shook hands with coach Roberts, then proceded to hug his parents and find his girlfriend, Jordan, to give her a big hug and kiss. This was the beginning of his college career as he only had less than a month left of school and he would be preparing to be a college quarterback.

[Goofybub23]

This is cool stuff man your a very good writer can't wait to read more!

are you playing the games on '11's RTG or just making it up? either way it's really good!

[HoundsOfHowl]

Quote: Originally Posted by Goofybub23

This is cool stuff man your a very good writer can't wait to read more! are you playing the games on '11's RTG or just making it up? either way it's really good!

Just making it up, I really wanted to do it on the new 11 game season with NCAA 12, but....I didn't want to be 4 years into a dynasty when I start, nor did I want to write about all them high school games lol. I am more of a dynasty guy anyways, I'll probably do the 12 RTG just to check it out, but never write from it.