Nasir McLean will feel less nervous a little after 10 o’clock Saturday morning. That’s when he’ll take his first snap of his high school career in a scrimmage against Dieruff.

It can be a pretty nerve-wracking experience for a freshman quarterback.

“I’ll feel better when I take the first snap,” said McLean. “Then it’s another game to me. I am really more anxious than nervous. It is a big moment playing your first high school football game.”

McLean certainly knows about big moments. Over the previous two years, he led the middle school team to consecutive, unbeaten seasons and arguably has been one of the most prolific athletes in the CYAA in recent years.

Ironically, he made the transition to high school with Travis Brett, his middle school coach, who took over the reins earlier this year. Brett’s oldest son, Andrew, was a two-year starter for the program, and currently is the team’s quarterback coach.

“Nasir is starting to be a young leader on offense,” said the head coach. “He has been working with Andrew Brett and has been starting to take his time reading the defense before the snap.

“We are very confident in him, and am looking forward to him being the quarterback for the next four years. As he grows in that position, he is going to be very exciting to watch.”

McLean felt a little relieved reunited with Brett. It further solidified his confident nature.

“It was great that he (Brett) came up,” said McLean. “We have a connection between us. That really helped take some pressure off me.

“Everything is different here, though. The game is faster and quicker. I have to keep adjusting, but I feel good about everything. We have been working on pass protection more, and I have been doing what I can.

“I’m able to read the defense better, and I like to throw more than run. But I will run when I have to. It’s all a learning process, but I know I can get there.”

McLean started playing football at age of six for the CYAA, and he was a wide receiver his first year. After that, he began his tenure as a quarterback. He acknowledged his parents, Nawal and Kelly, for their constant support through the years.

Stepping into a major role, McLean wasn’t to do what he can to reverse the fate of the program

that posted a 1-21 mark over the last two years and has won only 10 games over the last six campaigns.

“We have to get away from being 1-21,” said McLean. “I realize all of the history and success the program has had, and they were very successful not too long ago. We all have to work to get back there.”

McLean is looking forward to the season opener at Palmerton Sept. 25. Last season, he scored the winning touchdown and sealed the game with an interception against Palmerton’s middle school team. It was one of the memorable games of his career.

He expects to see many of those same Palmerton players in the opener.

“I will see many of those same kids,” he said. “I am really looking forward to that game. It will be a lot of fun to play them again.”

With seemingly all the tools, McLean also will be fun to watch.