LAMORINDA WEEKLY | Campolindo Quarterbacks: A Family Affair


Tommy Stephens, varsity quarterback (8) Photo Doug Kohen

Campolindo High School is experiencing a unique phenomenon, two brothers starting as quarterback. "We've had brother pairs come through before," said Campolindo football head coach Kevin Macy. "But never at quarterback. To shine at quarterback is so hard; it's the toughest position. And Tommy shines. Then, to have Brett follow behind and shine, that's really rare."

Tommy and Brett Stephens, varsity and freshman football quarterbacks respectively, have stepped into the spotlight and are establishing a legacy for the Campolindo Cougars. The first game of the season, Tommy led the varsity team to a 44-15 win over Albany. Brett scrimmaged with junior varsity (JV) against Albany and helped nab a 40-8 win. He started his freshman season on September 17 against Liberty High School.

This year may be off to a strong start, but the varsity football team is young by anyone's standard. According to Macy, 21 of the 22 starting varsity players last year graduated out, leaving only Tommy as a returning starter. "We have an inexperienced team and it's nice to have a returning quarterback," said Macy. "Tommy has great knowledge of the game, not just his own position, but he understands the other positions and can help. It's like having an extra coach."

Looking at the years spent playing football, Tommy, 17, might seem to have started late. A soccer player for many years, Tommy didn't start playing football until he joined the MOL (Moraga Orinda Lafayette) flag football league in the sixth grade. As a freshman Tommy started at the quarterback position, but after a few games was called up to JV. As a sophomore Tommy returned to the JV quarterback position but again, after a few games, was called up to varsity where he has remained since.

Macy said that Tommy's quick progression may be attributed to the fact that he is an all around good athlete and knowledgable about the sport, but that's not what sets him above the rest. "Tommy's strength is his vision. Most high school quarterbacks will pick one receiver and stick with them," said Macy. "Tommy can see the whole field, he'll find a second, even third receiver in a progress. That's not your typical high school quarterback."

Brett, 14, has been following in his brother's footsteps, playing MOL football and being named freshman quarterback. Brett did not receive this position because of his brother's success, but because he loves the game and, according to Macy, is talented. "At this stage he's got a lot of polish, a strong arm and does not get flustered in the pocket at all," said Macy. "Those are things you can't coach."

But wait, there's more. The next Stephens in line is 12-year-old Jack. His football career started in the third grade with MOL and now his current seventh-grade team is being coached by none other than brother, Tommy.

Is Jack destined to be a quarterback, too? Their mother Kim Stephens is not sure. "He's finding out what works for him," she said. "They put him in the quarterback positions and he's fine, however at the moment, he likes the line."