DiLucia named Almanac MVP
Since Nolan DiLucia could throw a baseball, it made sense to the Peters Township youth football team’s offensive coordinator, who just happened to be his father, to make him a quarterback.
“The rest is history,” said the son of Michael and Jennifer DiLucia.
At only age 16, DiLucia is already a legend at Peters Township High School. If he does nothing more in his remaining two varsity seasons, his legacy will have been cemented because he led the Indians on a historic run this autumn.
DiLucia guided Peters Township to its first WPIAL title in school history. The Indians also won two PIAA playoff games and made their initial appearance in a state championship contest.
The Indians steamrolled to a 15-0 record, that featured a conference crown and district banner, before succumbing to Imhotep Charter, 38-13, on Dec. 8 at Chapman Memorial Field on the Cumberland Valley High School campus in Mechanicsburg.
“Nolan was our general. A commanding leader of the team,” said Peters Township head coach TJ Plack. “He was extremely important to our offense. Without him, we are a decent team. Hands down, we are a state championship team with him. Nolan did a fantastic job.”
As a sophomore signal caller, DiLucia led the WPIAL in passing, completing 229 of 379 attempts for 3,131 yards and 30 touchdowns. He also ranked third on the team in rushing with 489 yards on 110 carries for a 4.45 average. He tacked on eight more scores.
For his efforts, DiLucia garnered many postseason accolades. In addition to earning all-conference acclaim, he has been named Almanac Most Valuable Player.
“It’s a blessing,” he said. “It truly was an awesome year but I could not have done this without my family, coaches, teammates and God. I am a true believer (in God). I pray every game and ask Him to help and bless me and the whole team.”
Since he was a youth, DiLucia has been endowed with talent. He started playing baseball at age 5 then picked up other sports such as basketball and football. Through AAU, he blossomed into a top-notch player like his father, who played Division I baseball for a time before finishing up his degree at Bethany College. DiLucia starts in center field for his travel club and in right for the high school team.
DiLucia was delighted when his father gave him the nod at quarterback.
“I could throw the baseball far. So they made me a quarterback. I am happy they did because it meant I could touch the ball every play,” he said. “Then I got better, and I liked it even more.”
In 2022, DiLucia played a backup role to Chris Cibrone, who passed for nearly 2,000 yards. In the final game of that 6-4 campaign, he made his debut as a starter.
DiLucia finished his freshman year with 384 passing yards and three touchdowns, having completed 37 of 71 attempts. He also managed 53 yards rushing and two scores.
Of the experience DiLucia said, “It helped me transition. I got some great game experience and it helped me to get ready for my next games. I came into the season this year, knowing the pace and other things necessary but I also knew what I had to do to get better.”
During the offseason, DiLucia trained with Ralph DelSardo, a quarterback coach, as well as Ed Withholder, a speed and strength trainer. He also attended summer workouts, lifting sessions and training camps with his teammates.
He said that he was readily accepted among the upperclassmen, including the seniors, because of his previous playing experience with them. As a youth, he played up in age groups.
“Because I played with all the seniors when I was young, we became good friends. We connected well together. I trusted them and they trusted me. It all worked out.”
DiLucia hopes his future plans work out. In his remaining high school seasons, he anticipates leading the Indians to more championships. Personally, he hopes to garner an athletic scholarship. He’ll embrace either football or baseball offers.
“Expectations are to get back to the finals. It was awesome winning the WPIAL championship and playing in the state finals. Any of my teammates will tell you that if you ask everyone,” he said.
“I think we have the potential to be just as good next year because of our coaches and the players we have returning. Those guys learned a lot. Now the sophomores and juniors need to stay healthy and step it up.
As for his future DiLucia added, “I love playing both football and baseball so I will look to whichever offer is better and what will help me and my family. I think God will help me. He’ll lead me in the right way.”