Something to prove

Spencer Patterson

Thursday, Nov. 9, 2000 | 11:31 a.m.

Long before he ever stepped foot on the field himself, Pat Curran was well aware of The Meadows' winning football tradition.

A student at the school since kindergarten, Curran grew up a Mustangs fan, waiting for the day when he would play for one of Nevada's top small-school programs.

Just as his opportunity finally came, however, it was taken away, with a painful back injury ending his first varsity season before the squad captured its third consecutive 2A state championship last year.

Though he watched from the sidelines as the Mustangs claimed that title, the memory of that missed chance has spurred on Curran in 2000. A starting tailback and safety, the junior has been a consistent force for his school all season, earning the 2A Southern League MVP award.

Most importantly, he has his squad two wins away from a fourth straight state title, with a win Saturday against Carlin earning Meadows a return trip to the championship contest.

"It's hard for me to sit and watch something and not be in there, even NFL games on Monday night," Curran said. "I always play with the mentality that I have to prove something to everyone, but (missing last year's playoffs) definitely added fuel to the fire.

"I just wanted to get back on the field and play some football and have some fun."

After spending his freshman year on a junior varsity squad that lost just one game, Curran's sophomore season began promisingly. But before the 6-1, 190-pounder could begin preparing for the playoffs, he began to feel severe pain in his back -- a condition diagnosed by doctors as a fractured lower back.

The Mustangs went on to finish undefeated, capturing yet another state trophy. But coach Frank DeSantis said his squad still missed Curran's contribution.

"Last year we had a very good team, and if we'd had Pat we would have been even better," DeSantis said. "He's got great speed, great hands ... he's a complete back."

Determined to be on the field for the Mustangs' next championship run, Curran spent the off-season recovering and building up his strength in the weight room. So far, that regimen has paid dividends, with the junior racking up more than 1,500 yards and 22 touchdowns this season to lead Meadows to a 10-0 record and keeping the school's streak of 27 straight victories intact.

"He's given us that instant scorer," DeSantis said. "He's matured as a runner, physically and mentally. He wants to carry the load this year, to be the man, and he has been."

Like any smart runner, Curran is quick to credit teammates for his success. Led by Derek Schreck, Rehman Anjum and Joe Riordan, the Mustangs' offensive line has been rock solid all year, as have tight ends Ryan Siefert and Coleman Hutzler and fullbacks Chad Goffstein and Marcel Demeree.

"(The line) has been doing a great job moving the defensive line back, and our blocking backs have also done a good job," Curran said. "Also, we have a strong passing game this year, so defenses can't just worry about our running game."

Saturday at 1 p.m., Curran and company will host Carlin, a team they beat 23-14 earlier this year. Another win over the Railroaders will put the Mustangs back in the state title game, and will bring the team's most valuable player within reach of his goal.

"Last year, the guys on the team were about keeping me involved, making sure I didn't feel left out," Curran said. "I felt like I was still part of it, but it was really hard for me. So to be able to do what we've done here this year is special."