This year, the young Signal Callers and the Eagles are looking for another step forward.

In his second year, Brown hopes to improve both his own stats and the team’s overall record.

“We’re trying to steer the program in the right direction. We can’t do it all at once, but we feel we can definitely move forward,” he said.

As a freshman in 2022, Brown took over the starting role in Flagstaff’s third game of the season. He got off to a great start, breaking the program record of six one-game touchdown passes in his first start for the national team. He finished the day with 15 of 18 passes for 6 touchdowns and 405 yards as Flagstaff beat Rio Rico 59-12.

Two games later, Brown threw for 204 yards and scored five touchdowns in a 51-28 rout at home in Washington. He finished the season with a 58% completion percentage for 1,278 yards and 18 touchdowns. But despite his star’s brilliance, the Eagles finished the season dropping each game in the Grand Canyon District, finishing 2-8 and 0-5 in district play.

Brown also threw 16 interceptions.

He wants to maintain positive production while keeping sales down.

“We all know I had some issues with interceptions last year, but we’ve been working on it all offseason. “They have faith in me,” Brown said.

So far this summer, the 4A Conference Eagles believe he has improved dramatically.

Coach Mickey Clements, who is in his first year with the program, has seen Brown pitch great in the offseason.

“Last year his accuracy was great, but it has improved by leaps and bounds. And now he can see and throw open receivers before they open. has been working very hard,” Clements said.

Brown, also in his second year, is trying to be a more emotional captain on the field. The Eagles have had a few solid seniors leading the program over the past few seasons, but Brown was just trying to lead by example and just go out and play well. Though he made occasional comments, he recalled leaving most of the speeches and other leadership to the older players.

Now, with a comfortable role as QB1 and a year of international experience, he’s stepping into the team with more confidence.

And the Eagles have responded well, Clements said.

“You can really see the difference in the second year,” Clements said. “He brings a lot of energy and helps the younger players. But he’s also a leader for our seniors. The whole team embraced him.”

“I know I have to step up a little bit more,” added Brown.

The first steps in the Eagles’ approach to the passing offense will come this summer.

On Saturday, Flagstaff competed in a 7-7 passing tournament at Northern Arizona University’s football practice field, playing schools across Arizona in a series of short, low-contact scrimmage without lines or charging defenders.

Flagstaff will compete in the NAU 7s tournament today pic.twitter.com/V188lClm4w

— Eric Newman (@enewmanwrites) June 17, 2023

These June days will be used to lay the groundwork for what the Eagles hope to deliver a fruitful passing offense in the fall.

”Obviously you have to keep things in perspective because it takes a lot to win Friday night,” Clements said. “But this is a good opportunity to work on timing and competitiveness and everything else, and that’s a big part of Chase.”

Flagstaff will continue practicing throughout the summer and will be competing in exhibition contests. The first game of the regular season will be against Greenway on August 25 at the Walkup Skydome.