By Patrick MacCoonRecord Sports EditorBraydan Chmiel understands not every moment can go his way.The senior starting quarterback for Warrenton handled adversity particularly well Friday in a 28-26 comeback victory on the road against St. Dominic.After starting 0-for-3 passing with an interception in the Warriors’ first two drives, Chmiel bounced back remarkably.Over the remainder of the game, the left-handed quarterback completed 20-of-23 (87 percent) of his passes and launched two long touchdown passes to Hunter Russell.While the offense sputtered at times early, Warrenton rallied behind its leader at quarterback. Chmiel finished with a career-high in completions, passing yards (231) and total yards (259).After turning heads this offseason with improved arm strength and awareness in scrimmages, the keen signal-caller showcased his improvements on the gridiron.Not only did he thread the needle to find Jacob Abel and others on slant routes and short sideline passes, but his arm strength shined as well. Chmiel finished with three completions 30 yards or longer.With mental toughness at his position, the eye-black-wearing Chmiel and his teammates walked away from their contest with the Crusaders with broad smiles on their faces.Chmiel has high hopes for a strong season and feels as if the offense has more playmakers than it has had since he’s played for the Warriors. He also wants to leave his mark by winning a playoff contest, something the program hasn’t accomplished since 2010.After high school, he wants to attend the United States Naval Academy.Q: How did you come about your love for football?“I’ve been playing since I was 6 years old. My aunt gave me a lot of love for football because she played flag football. She bought my cousin and I football pads and we’d play in the front yard a lot.”Q: Most memorable part of my career?“Both wins over St. Dominic were really fun. The goal line stand was awesome last year. This last game was really fun. I feel like I really stepped out and it was a strong game for me.”Q: What was the key to your turnaround in Week 1 passing the ball?“Mental toughness definitely. If there’s one thing I’ve been known for, it’s for being able to bounce back from setbacks. I want to be that guy that has a strong mental toughness. I want the guys on the team to know I’ll do whatever it takes and they can rally around me.”Q: How much confidence does it give you to win the season opener?“It’s always good to start out 1-0. It just puts you at a whole new level going into next week and getting another win.”Q: Biggest strengths added this offseason?“I have gotten a lot stronger. Coach (Scott Butler) has really worked with me on reading defenses and he’s a great coach. I’ve gotten a lot stronger too and can throw the football farther now. My reads have improved too.”Q: What do you like the most about the offense?“I like that it’s different. We have a bunch of formations and we can throw a bunch of different stuff at defenses and they don’t know what’s going on.”Q: Who is your favorite NFL player?“Definitely Kurt Warner. I saw him play once for the Cardinals against the Rams. He’s why I wear No. 13. He was a great quarterback and I like who he is and what he stands for.”Q: Favorite quarterbacks?“Kurt Warner, Peyton Manning, Aaron Rodgers and Marcus Mariota.”Q: Can the Warriors make a playoff push in 2015?“I think we can make a big playoff push this year. We have the guys to do it and the mentality to do it.”Q: Favorite type of throw?“I really like throwing the slant, but I like throwing the deep ball because we have deep threats and I have the arm strength to do it now. The fans like the deep ball too.”Q: Nickname?“Braydo.”Q: Favorite food?“BBQ.”Q: Favorite restaurant?“Steak N’ Shake.”Q: Favorite TV channel?“ The History channel.”
Braydan Chmiel completed 20-of-26 for 231 yards and also rushed for 28 yards in Warrenton's thrilling 28-26 victory over St. Dominic to start the season. The senior hopes to lead the Warriors to a playoff victory in his final year behind center.
Derrick Forsythe photo.
