By Keith Lair, Staff Writer

This time, Arthur Brown will be a little better prepared.

It appears that the San Gabriel senior will be making his first start at quarterback, and it only comes in one of the Matadors’ most important games of the season, against Alhambra.

The starting tailback found himself thrust into the quarterback role at halftime of last Friday’s 37-35 loss to Bell Gardens. Starter Andy Guerrero was knocked out of the game, and for the season, with a broken ankle. Backup Eric Alvarez has extremely sore biceps that were so painful he could hardly play. At halftime, coach Jude Oliva elected to put Brown at quarterback.

With Alvarez on a day-to-day wait, Brown is being trained to play a full game of quarterback for the first time; he’s never played the position at any other level of football.

“We’re pretty optimistic,” Oliva said. “He’s played tailback for three years and played cornerback. All that helps.

“He’s been around for a while, so he knows what is going on. He’s played multiple positions and is very familiar with the offense.”

This week’s game, however, is unlike last Friday’s. Oliva said that during halftime, his staff had to show Brown some moves and how to run the plays. He did throw a 41-yard touchdown pass to Alex Villalobos.

Brown will definitely not be a throwing quarterback; he’s certainly thrown the ball around a lot in practice, but only for two quarters in game situations.

“We’re more of a passing team, so we’ll get the running game going,” Oliva said.

Friday’s game will be at Moor field and it will be Alhambra’s homecoming game. In addition to bragging rights, CIF-Southern Section playoff implications are on the line – both teams are 1-2 in the Almont League and still have a legitimate chance of making postseason play.

“Friday night, I know our kids are excited, and will be ready to play and I know (Alhambra coach) Lou (Torres’) kids will be ready to play, too.”