Avery Goettge is an ASU Cronkite School of Journalism and Mass Communication student assigned to cover Raymond S. Kellis High School for AZPreps365.com.

GLENDALE – The typical high school quarterback might conjure images of a big, loud senior who puts himself first.

But Raymond S. Kellis sophomore quarterback Brodee Lermon is none of those.

He’s calm, understands football and isn’t afraid to admit where he needs to improve during a difficult season.

For one, Lermon is the first sophomore to start more than half the season in a decade. It’s a duty he’s taken time to understand.

“Having control of the offense is a big responsibility,” Lermon said. “I have to know everyone’s play, know the reads, read the defense, see what coverage they’re in and then execute the play.”

Despite the disappointing 1-7 record for Kellis, the numbers don’t tell the whole story.

The Cougars are competing in the newly realigned Desert West Region for the first time, which includes teams with records of 8-0 and 7-1, plus two others at 6-2.

Kellis won back-to-back region championships in the Central Valley Region the previous two years under quarterback Ronald Coty, who was the sixth full-time senior starting quarterback in a decade

Lermon spent much of the offseason preparing with his receivers and credited his quarterback camp, 602 Quarterbacks, and his private coach, Evan Bernard, as mentors going into the season. Lermon built this process on the foundation laid by first-year head coach Chris Miranda, who came over from Peoria High School.

“I’m with him every step of the way,” Miranda said. “The team is young. We take everything day by day.”

Lermon is the youngest regular starter on the offense.

“My biggest learning experience has been learning to become a leader,” Lermon said. “I want to build that leadership role and carry it on to next year.”

Lermon began playing football when he was only 4 and credited his dad as his biggest mentor. 

“He’s been with me every step of the way,” Lermon said.

Lermon also finds support through his teammates, which has pushed them to a much-improved connection as the season continues.

Junior wide receiver Michael Porter Jr. played his first two games in the past two games, a 21-7 loss to Tolleson and a 49-0 loss to Canyon View.

Porter Jr. led the team in receiving yards, with two receptions for 39 yards and four receptions for 40 yards against Tolleson and Canyon View, respectively.

“I have to become more vocal and help the team get through the tough times of the season,” Lermon said.

Lermon said he’s already made lifetime memories from his first year on varsity because he can spend time with his teammates and has additional support from them both on and off the field. 

He noted junior receiver Ricky Wilson, who is sixth on the team in receiving yards in only four appearances, as someone who’s helped him along the way.

“This first half of the season has been a huge learning experience,” Wilson said. “Even though our record doesn’t show it, we’ve grown a lot as a team. We’re starting to click more each week.”

Wilson is also Lermon’s friend and has a motivation for how he wants to help his quarterback.

“Going into next year, I see the role continuing to grow as a leader on and off the field,” Wilson said. “I want to help younger guys learn the standard.”