West Davidson's Andrew Brown continues county's kicking legacy with North Carolina A&T

Andrew Brown quietly put together a productive high school kicking career at West Davidson. Now after two seasons at North Carolina A&T, his play is starting to make some noise at the college level, too.

The sophomore recently completed a stellar season, tying for first in the Big South Conference in field goals made. His 14 field goals were an improvement over his 10 in the 2021 campaign and, coupled with his kickoff duties, Brown is firmly entrenched as the guy for the Aggies.

"It was a huge difference from last year to this season as far as confidence-wise," Brown said. "I was proud of the season I had. I definitely grew in certain areas. And I think I was mentally more mature. You have to know your strengths and weaknesses, especially in college ball, and work on those weaknesses."

North Carolina A&T finished its season on a sour note with a 38-17 loss to Gardner-Webb, which decided the Big South championship and an automatic bid to the FCS playoffs. Prior to that loss, the Aggies had won seven games in a row and finished 7-4.

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Brown's longest field goal this season was 49 yards, which he converted twice. He was also 2-for-2 in a loss to Duke. Brown said his next goal is to connect from at least 50 yards, something he has done in practice and pre-game warm-ups, but never in a game.

"Game situations are different but I know I can make it," said Brown, who is a business management major. "I've got to keep working in the weight room to get stronger. And, of course, keep working with the snapper and holder. The good thing is both of those guys will be back next season."

The Aggies won't be back in the Big South, however. A long-standing member of the MEAC, A&T moved to the Big South for two seasons and will compete in the Colonial Athletic Association starting next fall. The CAA includes William & Mary, Richmond and Elon, among others.

"It will be fun," said Brown, who has two years of eligibility remaining. "We can really prove ourselves against some strong programs. Plus we get to travel more."

At West, Brown is the record holder for every kicking statistic. The 2020 graduate made 32 field goals in his four-year career, among the highest in Davidson County history, which includes former North Davidson stars Spencer Landfried and Christopher Dunn, who is winding down a record-setting career at N.C. State. Brown's longest field goal in high school was 47 yards.

Soccer may have been Brown's best sport, as he was a four-time all conference selection for the Green Dragons. He was also named Central Carolina Conference male athlete of the year his senior year.

This article originally appeared on The Dispatch: North Carolina A&T kicker Andrew Brown continues Davidson County legacy