'Boys from Boise' lead Post
C.W. Post quarterback #13 Steven Laurino, left, and brother / wide receiver #17 Grayson Laurino participate in football team practice held at Hickox Field, located on campus. (Aug. 13, 2011) Credit: James Escher
It was a game Steven and Grayson Laurino could only imagine -- until it actually happened for the quarterback and wide receiver. "The Boys from Boise,'' as they are known on campus, connected on their first two college touchdowns against West Chester (Pa.) Saturday in Post's 34-23 victory.
"I'm so glad it happened," Steven said. "A career-high four touchdowns, two to my brother. There's no words to explain that."
The day was even more special for the players because their father, Thomas, was in attendance. The brothers spent their early years living with him in Manhasset. They later went to live with their mom in Idaho. "He told me it was the best game he ever saw me play," Grayson said of his dad.
Grayson was a quarterback in high school in Idaho and younger brother Steven was a receiver. It was a chance for Steven, a redshirt freshman, to play one last season with his brother, a senior. Steven Laurino was 14-for-19 for 162 yards. He also rushed for 97 yards.
Post trailed 7-0 when the Laurinos went to work. "They got a big first down last week," Post coach Bryan Collins said. "This was really a nice catch in the back of the end zone by Grayson."
Grayson and Steven embraced after the 3-yard scoring pass with 6:19 left in the first quarter, a special moment. "When that happens, it was more than just a touchdown, I think," Steven said. "People knew that was the first Laurino connection and that lit us up on the sideline."
It happened again in the third quarter, this time on an 18-yard pass that gave Post a 20-13 lead. "I can't promise it's going to happen every week like this," Steven said.
West Chester (2-3) briefly took a 23-20 lead when Eric Brundidge caught an 81-yard touchdown pass from Matt Carroll. But a 15-yard scoring run by Jeff Mack, who rushed for 126 yards, and Laurino's 7-yard scoring pass to Sean Persch ensured the victory.
Post (2-3) has won its last two games and, not coincidentally, Steven Laurino finally has been healthier the last two weeks. He injured his wrist in the first game against American International. "I couldn't hold the ball," he said. "I'm still playing through it, but it's much better now."
Grayson said he knew the team was better than the 0-3 start. "In the back of my mind, I knew Steve and me were going to have to turn this around on offense," he said. "Everything just fell in line today, which was awesome."
