Football Harrisburg Stampede vs West Virginia Badgers, March 30th 2013

One of Head Coach Bernie Nowotarski's sons is hauled to the center of the field by Scorpio Brown to help celebrate one of the five TDs scored by Brown against the Badgers. Samuel Getty | Special to PennLive

With the PIFL regular season winding down and a playoff berth dangling within reach, the Harrisburg Stampede can't afford any more slip-ups.

Unfortunately, the team will have to find a way forward without one of its most talented and beloved players, who is moving on to bigger and better things.

Via press release on Friday, the Stampede announced that star WR Scorpio Brown has received and accepted an invitation to join the Arena Football League's San Jose SaberCats. It is a well-deserved opportunity for the seven-year veteran from Newport News, Virginia, who departs Harrisburg after leading the team in receptions (49) and receiving yards (469) so far this season.

Brown, who stands at 6-4, 225 and posesses NFL-caliber measurables, will look to solidify the receiving corps for a San Jose squad that already stands in first place in the AFL's National Conference Pacific Divison. The SaberCats are a well-established entity in arena football's top level—the team joined the AFL in 1995 and won titles in 2002, 2004, and 2007.

The well-spoken receiver, who first joined the Stampede in 2012, is humbled by the opportunity and excited to prove himself at the next level.

"Everything happens in time. I'm a patient man, and I'm happy now to have the opportunity to play in Arena One," Brown said.

Stampede head coach Bernie Nowotwarski isn't sure whether Brown will play in the X or Y receiver position in San Jose, but he believes he will find a place at the next level regardless.

"[Brown] is in great shape, he knows and understands the AFL game, and given this opportunity he will take full advantage," Nowotarski said on Friday morning. "We're proud of him."

Of course, like any driven professional, Brown's dream doesn't end with the AFL.

"My ultimate goal is to play on Sundays. That's always been the ultimate goal."

Brown has a much better handle on what it takes to make the big show now, thanks in large part to the presence of Stampede owner, NFL receiver, and Harrisburg native Marques Colston. Brown credits Colston for showing him how to become both a better leader and athlete.

"Watching Marques, the way he carries himself, the way he handles things...he's a role model and a great citizen, and I'm just trying my best to follow in his footsteps," said Brown. Colston testified to his protégé's character in kind, calling him 'the consummate professional' in Friday's press release.

Nowotarski also spoke glowingly of Brown's demeanor, both on and off the field. "He's always the first to help with events and appearances, he mentors the younger players...to me personally it's like watching one of my sons, getting a chance to keep the dream alive at the next level," said the coach.

Not surprisingly, Brown had equally positive things to say about working under Nowotarski the last few years. The receiver has been particularly motivated by watching his coach battle multiple myeloma; he was diagnosed in 2012 and has been fighting the disease since.

"He became like a father figure to me. Seeing him go through his fight with cancer, it motivated me to do more," Brown said. "To see everything he had to go through daily, it helped me to do more...to fight more for him."

Brown said he will miss the city that became his second home—especially hanging out on the Susquehanna River waterfront and eating at Ted's Bar and Grill. But more than anything, he's going to miss the teammates that had become brothers over the last few years.

"It's bittersweet. It's a great opportunity for me but I'm going to miss my guys, Brown said, his voice wavering ever so slightly. "They always kept me grounded."

Before heading out to the West Coast, Brown will visit home in Virginia to spend time with his family. He expects to join the SaberCats during the team's upcoming bye week, when he will begin working with his new employer.

In the wake of Brown's departure, Nowotarski will lean on his other big-bodied, athletic receivers, Norm White and Evan Twombly, to continue the Stampede's playoff push. White scored three second-half touchdowns last weekend in Harrisburg's heartbreaking loss to the Trenton Freedom. Darryl Shine, a promising rookie and former captain at Temple University, will also get his first taste of arena football action when he suits up at wideout on Saturday.

Needing a win to keep their tenuous playoff hopes alive, the Stampede take on the division rival Richmond Raiders Saturday afternoon at Giant Center. Kickoff is set for 4:00 PM.