It was not the conversation an undefeated quarterback ever wants to have.

Last season, Timpview graduate Quinn Mecham's quarterbacking abilities led the Snow College football team to nine straight wins when coaches had to discuss sidelining him in favor of a sophomore returning from an injury.

"It was tough," said Mecham. "I understood Jon (Eastman) was the guy. It was hard at first, but I understand the team concept. I just tried to do what I could to benefit the team."

Badger head coach Steve Coburn said he was more worried about how Mecham would handle the decision than whether or not the team would continue to win.

"I knew we needed him this year," said Coburn.

As it turned out, not only did Mecham handle the news well, he worked hard during spring practices and summer workouts to establish himself as the team's undisputed leader in his sophomore season.

"He's just been a great leader for us," said Coburn. "His leadership is key for us because as he goes, we're going to go. It's nice to see that other players see that leadership in him and respect him."

In fact, Coburn sees Mecham as an extension of himself.

"He really is the representative of me and what the team is on the field, in the community and in the school."

Mecham is a candidate for the NJCAA Player of the Year with 34 touchdowns this season for the sixth-ranked Badgers. He was 16-of-22 for 344 yards in the team's 48-20 win over Scottsdale last weekend, a victory that ensures Snow (9-1) will at least share in the WSFL Conference Title. If they beat Arizona Western on Nov. 14, their last regular-season game, they will earn the title outright.

Mecham, who is also a 4.0 student, said his leadership is possible thanks to the help of his coaches and the support of the team's other captains. The other captains, all walk-on athletes as freshman, are equally impressive both on and off the field.

Gavin Jones, a sophomore from Orem High, returned from a mission in June and has provided key leadership for the defense as a corner.

Tyson Church, a sophomore from North Sanpete High, was a pre-season All-American selection and recently surpassed 1,000 yards rushing this season.

Tyler Osborne, a Weber High graduate and redshirt sophomore, has been tremendously helpful in mentoring a young defense as a linebacker.

"It's interesting to me the only scholarship player among the captains is Quinn," said Coburn. "They've all done a great job leading the team."

Mecham has an offer to play football for Kansas, while Jones has committed to play for Utah State next season.

Taking his football skills to Snow College exceeded Mecham's expectations.