Quarterback Derr Caps Career with Awards, Records

The sophomore version of Andrew Derr, a run-first quarterback at Upper Dublin, wouldn't have come close to the record books.

But as the 6’3” signal caller refined both his body and his play to become a more mature, proficient passer over the next three seasons, obliterating school records became his destiny.

Derr wrapped up his Cardinals football career with all-time marks in passing yards (3,899), TDs (31), game appearances (40), passing attempts (512) and completions (251) -- records that hadn't been approached since the 1980s.

"Getting that early experience [as a sophomore] gave me the confidence I needed to stay in the pocket and make throws," Derr said. "As a sophomore, I looked to run the ball more because I was 15 pounds heavier. I'm a throw-first guy now.

More importantly than his stats, Derr considers himself a winner and leader at his position. The 2011 season included a 7-2 record, a second-place finish in the Suburban One League's American Conference and a first-round playoff loss in districts to Council Rock South.

Individually, Derr passed for 1,534 yards and 14 TDs, with just three interceptions, helping to turn first-time varsity wide receivers Chris Naughton and Luke Felix into All-Conference players.

Derr's passing stats were a slight improvement from 2010. He also ran for four scores and totaled 231 rushing yards on the ground.

His presence behind center allowed head coach Bret Stover -- himself a former Upper Dublin quarterback -- the latitude to call a variety of plays, knowing his talented signal caller had the size and the vision to adapt.

Presented with several options, Derr often picked the right one after reading the defense.

"It was a lot of fun because he could do so much," Stover said. "He handled everything we threw at him and adjusted as needed. He's the smartest kid I ever coached in terms being able to translate his offensive mind into what you saw on Friday nights."

One particular Friday night, the Oct. 28 regular-season finale against division rival Wissahickon, Derr led a 75-yard drive for the winning score in a 17-10 victory and a guaranteed playoff berth.

"He wanted the ball and wanted the pressure," said Stover, who called runs on seven of eight plays, including a run that was negated by a holding penalty. "Before the drive, he looked at me and I said, ‘let's do this!’ He smiled and said, ‘You got it. We're gonna finish this.’”

On the winning score, Derr carried three defenders into the end zone, then grinned at his coach when he reached the sideline.

"That's his whole thing," Stover said. "He delivered the knock-out blow."

Although Derr is the first to admit he can get a bit riled up-- and rile others up-- off the field, he is respectful on it and praises those around him. In particular, he quickly credits his offensive line for opening holes for his runs and buying him time for his passes.

The senior captain was also recognized for his style as the 2011 recipient of the Norristown Chapter of Football Officials Sportsmanship Award, which accounts for how an athlete conducts himself when interacting with referees and opponents.

Derr is the second Upper Dublin Football player to earn the honor, joining 2008 winner Josh Mastromattow.

"That's a big award to have," Derr said. "Sometimes, I can be a hothead, but I don't trash-talk refs. You have to be cocky and confident to win, but you have to keep control. My trash-talking happens off the field, like during a pick-up football game with friends."

Derr will also be honored as one of sixty recipients of the Maxwell Football Club’s Mini Max Award, given to Eastern Pennsylvania players who demonstrate a combination of athletic skill, community service and academic success.

When Derr begins college, his younger brother John will likely takeover the quarterback position as a junior. Though the two have different skill sets, John will benefit from an offensive system built by Andrew.

"It won't be, 'Oh my God, Andrew's gone, what are we going to do?’" Stover said. "He's drawn the map for the next guy to take a step further. I think he'd like to see his records broken by somebody down the road because that would show that the program has kept progressing."

And that may be Derr's greatest achievement.

"Having winning records is what stands out to me," Derr said. "We played football and had fun, and we had fun because we won. I'm disappointed that we didn't take the next step [in the playoffs], but that's something Upper Dublin will grow into. The teams I was on started climbing the ladder, and that's where the younger kids who see that can go higher."