SALISBURY POST

KANNAPOLIS — A.L. Brown Wonder quarterbacks have barked signals at each of the past two East-West All-Star games.

That string started by Justin Hardin and continued by Josh Lee will end next July — not because the Wonders won’t have a talented starting quarterback this season, but because that quarterback won’t be a senior.

Head coach Ron Massey and quarterbacks coach Jeremy Ryan took a long look at at least four job applicants on Tuesday, but it’s safe to say the real competition boils down to a pair of juniors — Drew Maher and Maurice Edwards.

Edwards was Lee’s backup a year ago and also saw time at other backfield positions. He rushed for 151 yards and caught two TD passes.

Maher, meanwhile, was the quarterback for a loaded jayvee team that might have competed with a few area varsities

Maher (pronounced Mar) has prototype QB size at 6-foot-2, 185 pounds and a strong, accurate arm. Edwards, on the other hand, is an explosive, compact burner. Only 5-9, 170, but put together like a brick wall and with an extra gear in the open field.

“Drew’s ahead on reads and throws,” said Ryan. “But Maurice has the feet and legs you’re looking for. What you’d really love to do is clone those two and combine ’em. Put them together and you’d really have something.”

Until science steps in, though, the Wonders will have a delicate decision to make.

“We’re looking at a lot of people,” said Massey, who has a plethora of practices, two scrimmages and two jamborees before he has to make a commitment. “It’ll be whoever steps up and makes this team better.”

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Many would bet on Maher. Partly because Maher’s been impressive in summer passing leagues (19-for-25 with three drops and two TDs in his most recent effort). Partly because the Wonder offense may need both Maher and Edwards on the field. Maher is a pure QB, but Edwards, a pure athlete, is also capable of starting at slotback or wideout.

“Maurice,” agreed Ryan, “could play about anywhere on the field.”

Ryan is quick to add the Wonders will be winners no matter how the friendly QB duel ultimately shakes down.

“Both are hard-working guys and both are really decent human beings,” he said. “It’s gonna work itself out.”

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If the nod does go to Maher, it will cap an amazing story.

His best sport has always been baseball, where he’s obviously a pitcher. In fact, he went out for the football team as a freshman mostly as a lark.

“I didn’t want to just sit around on the couch and wait for baseball season,” Maher said. “And this is Kannapolis. There’s so much interest here in football, I wanted to get involved.”

Maher had a big heart, but little size and little speed when he took up football. But a dramatic growth spurt hit during his sophomore year. He shot up five inches and also tacked on 40 pounds of muscle working with Wonder strength guru Todd Hagler.

Maher suffered a setback early this summer when doctors discovered a stress fracture in his back from a hit he’d taken in the jayvee season. That injury put him in a bodycast for much of May and June, but he’s come on like gangbusters since doctors released him to resume full activity.

“Each passing camp I’ve gone to I’ve done a little better,” said Maher. “It just takes time. Everything comes with time.”

“Drew’s improved,” said Ryan. “For a kid who was in a body brace for two months, he’s been pretty amazing.”

Most amazing of all may be the fact that Maher’s 40-yard dash time has dropped from a marginal 5.0 to a respectable 4.8 in recent weeks. That added step might make all the difference.

“I guess those physical therapy people straightened me out good,” said Maher with a grin. “”I’ve improved on all my tests. I was out for two months and somehow got faster.”

Sometimes Maher can’t believe all this is really happening to him. The world’s biggest Duke fan, not long ago he was an ordinary kid who dreamed of being a great athlete. But, in the relative blink of an eye, he’s been blessed with a body that might make all those dreams come true.

“I don’t ever think about following Josh or Justin or things like that,” said Maher. “I’m just doing the best I can for the team. This is just a whole lotta fun, it really is.”

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When Maher was a freshman, he’d always run up to reporters, volunteering his services to help locate the Wonder star about to be interviewed. He nailed down Ryan Craft, rounded up Desmond Williams, located Lee Basinger.

Tuesday when he saw reporters coming, he was eager to help out again.

“Who are you here to see?” he said.

It was nice to finally be able to say, “We’re here to see you.”

Chances are pretty good, it won’t be the last time.

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Coming Thursday — Davie County.