Atholton junior quarterback Brian McMahon is riding the high right now.  His Raiders team defeated five-time defending Howard County champion River Hill last Friday, 10-0.  McMahon scored the game’s only touchdown when he scrambled for a six-yard touchdown.

VSN: What was that feeling like when the game was over and the Raiders knocked off River Hill?

It was a great feeling. The fans rushed the field and everyone was screaming and jumping. I have never experienced anything like that before.

VSN:  You scored the game’s only touchdown, when did you realize that your score was the biggest play of game?

Well at halftime when we were winning 10-0 and River Hill’s offense was just non-existant, I realized that if the defense keeps playing the way they are then 10 points might be enough to win.

VSN:  Atholton has struggled a bit in the first four games of the season, what would you say was the reason for that?

We lost those two games because of silly mistakes such as missed assignments and penalties. Our opponents capitalized on our mistakes. We did not play as a team during those loses. We have fixed those mistakes now.

VSN:  Do you think this win will jump start the rest of the season for the team?

It definitely will. We have a lot of momentum coming off such a big win. If we keep rolling and build on previous games, we should be pretty good the rest of the year.

VSN:  Stepping in at the quarterback position this year, talk about how much pressure it is to have 10 guys looking at you in the huddle?

It’s not that much pressure. We’re all friends on this team so if anyone makes a mistake, we just forgive and forget. Everyone takes care of their own responsibility and when we do that, we are successful.

VSN: The Howard County football race is heating up, there are four 4-1 teams and you guys are just a game behind, do you think the level of play throughout the league has gotten better?

Yes, the level of play is increasing in the league. Having four 4-1 teams and then a couple 3-2 teams means really good competition. Before it was River Hill and then everyone else, but now they’re a part of the playoff race too. Every game you have to come ready to play or you will lose.

VSN:  Any pregame rituals or superstitions?

I like to eat subway about three hours before the game. I also like to wear the same shirt under my pads every game.

VSN:  Who is your favorite NFL player?

Tom Brady. That’s why I wear number 12.

VSN: I guess this is a silly question now but who is the best quarterback for these three, Peyton Manning, Tom Brady or Drew Brees?

Tom Brady. He is a leader and can make big plays. He also has the most rings.

VSN:  What is something that most people don’t know about you?

I would say that most people don’t know that I am a Sacristan at St. Francis church in Fulton.