LAKEWOOD — Lakewood has been off to a rough start, dropping its first three league games, but sophomore quarterback Austin Lane weathered the storm to complete three touchdown passes over 227 yards in Lakewood’s win over Cedarcrest 35-18 Oct. 2.

As result he is The Marysville Globe Athlete of the Week.

“I studied their defense and trusted my receivers,” Lane said. “My team is a big part of it. I couldn’t do it without them.”

Austin once served as a ball boy in the shadow of his older brother, Justin, who graduated in 2011 and now is the starting quarterback for Central Washington University.

Lane knew he was ready to start at quarterback after summer training camp, coach Dan Teeter noticed it.

“He’s watched his older brother play as a starter for four years; he’s been around the game a lot,” Teeter said. “So mentally I thought he was going to be ready.”

With a potential boost in ego that comes with becoming a starter, “he hasn’t let it get to his head,” Teeter said.

“In some kids that would change who they are. It has not changed Austin,” Teeter said. “He’s a good kid, and he’s just a real pleasure to coach.”

Besides his physical ability, humility, work ethic and leadership is what makes Austin a great quarterback, Teeter said.

“He’s worked really hard; he’s done camps and has worked with a quarterback coach in the off-season,” Teeter said. “He’s worked really hard in the classroom and has really good grades.

“He’s willing to work on the things he needs to work on,” Teeter said. “I know I can trust him and count on him.”

Though just a sophomore, Lane has shown attributes of a good quarterback. He is already 6-foot-2 and still growing, and has pocket awareness. But one notable trait he has is his toughness, which has allowed him to run the ball more.

“He’s taken some shots; he’s been sacked and hit,” said Teeter, who was keen on not letting Lane get physical early in the season. “He’s physically tough, he can take any shots. That’s a great quality.”

Lane feels he is improving steadily.

“I think I’m handling it pretty well,” Lane said. “It started not how we wanted it but I’m getting better.”

Lane hopes to improve his game as well as his leadership abilities.

“I want to get myself more used to playing football at varsity,” Lane said. “And be more of a leader, and finish out the season pretty strong.”

Other nominees were: Arlington’s Nathan Beamer, who finished second at the Twilight Invitational cross-country meet at Cedarcrest golf course Oct. 3.

Marysville-Pilchuck diver Laura Carson placed first scoring 176 at swim meet against Stanwood Oct. 6.