Travis Crowe
Leslie senior QB
Leslie has built quite a quarterback tradition this decade. Two of its last three starters have gone on to Division I college programs - Luke Ewing to Air Force, and spring graduate Charlie Snow as a walk-on at Michigan State.
Travis Crowe readily admits he gets a little anxious lining up behind center. But those expectations are hardly the reason why.
In only his first season as the varsity starter, Crowe has accomplished something done only once before at his school, by the all-stater Ewing - run and pass for more than 1,000 yards apiece.
"I had a goal to get 1,000 and 1,000. ... Luke, he was a great quarterback, and I just wanted to see if I could do something he could do," Crowe said. "It's a pressure, but it's not like a bad pressure. It's a pressure I like having because it makes me want to do better."
Which brings us to Crowe's antsy feeling.
Aside from last season, when he was a starting receiver, Crowe has always been a quarterback. But there were times when he fumbled a lot. And times when he tried to throw deep on every play. Sometimes he leaves the pocket too early when he feels the defense closing.
But he picked up lessons in patience from both of those highly-regarded predecessors - Ewing on how and when to run, and Snow on how to read defenses and attack more conservatively.
Crowe is 59-of-142 passing for 1,318 yards and 13 touchdowns with only three interceptions. He's also run 137 times for 1,091 yards and 17 scores.
"We really had high expectations for Travis. He was a two-year starter on jayvee ... and he started the last regular-season game last year and ran for four touchdowns in the first half," Leslie coach Scott Farley said. "He was a kid that we needed to get on the field last year for sure. ... He was our third-leading rusher as the (second-string) quarterback."
Crowe has had his two highest rushing games during these playoffs. While Monroe St. Mary will surely be keying on Page today, the Falcons must account for Crowe too.
"I'm able to move around in the pocket. I'd rather throw the ball because it's the play and I know receivers are open, but sometimes I just get really antsy and just want to go," Crowe said.
"Last year, Charlie was more of a pocket passer guy. He's create if he absolutely had to. But me, I just feel like I create more stuff."
Leslie senior QB
Leslie has built quite a quarterback tradition this decade. Two of its last three starters have gone on to Division I college programs - Luke Ewing to Air Force, and spring graduate Charlie Snow as a walk-on at Michigan State.
Travis Crowe readily admits he gets a little anxious lining up behind center. But those expectations are hardly the reason why.
In only his first season as the varsity starter, Crowe has accomplished something done only once before at his school, by the all-stater Ewing - run and pass for more than 1,000 yards apiece.
"I had a goal to get 1,000 and 1,000. ... Luke, he was a great quarterback, and I just wanted to see if I could do something he could do," Crowe said. "It's a pressure, but it's not like a bad pressure. It's a pressure I like having because it makes me want to do better."
Which brings us to Crowe's antsy feeling.
Aside from last season, when he was a starting receiver, Crowe has always been a quarterback. But there were times when he fumbled a lot. And times when he tried to throw deep on every play. Sometimes he leaves the pocket too early when he feels the defense closing.
But he picked up lessons in patience from both of those highly-regarded predecessors - Ewing on how and when to run, and Snow on how to read defenses and attack more conservatively.
Crowe is 59-of-142 passing for 1,318 yards and 13 touchdowns with only three interceptions. He's also run 137 times for 1,091 yards and 17 scores.
"We really had high expectations for Travis. He was a two-year starter on jayvee ... and he started the last regular-season game last year and ran for four touchdowns in the first half," Leslie coach Scott Farley said. "He was a kid that we needed to get on the field last year for sure. ... He was our third-leading rusher as the (second-string) quarterback."
Crowe has had his two highest rushing games during these playoffs. While Monroe St. Mary will surely be keying on Page today, the Falcons must account for Crowe too.
"I'm able to move around in the pocket. I'd rather throw the ball because it's the play and I know receivers are open, but sometimes I just get really antsy and just want to go," Crowe said.
"Last year, Charlie was more of a pocket passer guy. He's create if he absolutely had to. But me, I just feel like I create more stuff."
