Almanac Sports Editor

ebailey@thealmanac.net

As a tackle, Andrew Pierson toils in relative anonymity with the rest of the Bethel Park offensive linemen. So imagine his surprise when head coach Jeff Metheny summoned him to respond to reporters' questions after the Black Hawks defeated North Allegheny, 42-21, in a WPIAL Quad-A quarterfinal playoff contest at Baldwin.

However, when Lyle Marsh rambles for 221 yards and four touchdowns, players like Pierson obviously are performing according to script

"My responsibility is to block my guy and make sure no one is there to tackle Lyle or Bre (Ford) or whoever is carrying the ball," said the 18-year-old senior. "I'm doing it their way. I'm here for the those guys and the team."

The running backs and the Black Hawks appreciate Pierson's efforts.

"Lyle congratulates us (after games). He's always happy when we block well. Same with Bre, Rock (Vomer) at fullback and Jimmy (Karam); all those guys," Pierson said. "We always want to block well for them."

As a senior, Pierson takes pride in paving the path for his "good friend" Marsh. The pair, along with most of the seniors, has been playing together for some seven years, getting started in the community's recreation program.

Though he has matured to 6-5, 266 pounds, Pierson relies on brain as well as brawn when making his tackles.

Pierson, like Marsh, is an honors student, maintaining a 4.1 QPA. Because he hopes to major in mechanical engineering, Pierson has taken a lot of the same classes as Marsh. Pierson hopes to attend one of the Ivy League colleges or Bucknell University.

While on the playing field, Pierson applies his abundant knowledge. He agreed that being "smart" helps him play his position to perfection.

"You know what you're doing and know who to block and who is your responsibility," said the son of Mike and Carla Pierson.

This week, Pierson's duties remain the same although the opponent is No. 3 seeded McKeesport (9-2). The Tigers, just as the Black Hawks, have relied on their rushing attack for success this season.

"We know what they are doing, but we are just going to treat them like any other team. But, we have to be ready to play because they are good.

Thanks to their flexbone, triple-option offense, Ty-Meer Brown and Nico Price emerged as equals to Marsh. In the Tigers' past two playoff games, Price has rushed for 387 yards and six touchdowns. Brown had rushed for 677 yards and an 8.8-yard average prior to last week's win over Central Catholic.

"We know they are good and we have to get ready for them," Pierson said. "For sure, though, Lyle is just as good. We (linemen) definitely want to make Lyle look good.

"We are here to win the game. That's the goal. It's part of the ultimate goal."

A big game from Marsh and his offensive line would vault Bethel Park into the WPIAL Quad-A championship game set for Saturday, Nov. 22 at Heinz Field.

"That's what we'd like but we have not been looking ahead. We are just taking it one game at a time."

Anxiety aside, Pierson had spoken just like any seasoned sports celebrity.