DiLucia ready to dominate action for Peters Township
Nolan DiLucia withholds his opinions on others.
“I try not to judge anyone because you never know someone until you talk to them,” he said. “So don’t believe everything you read or see.”
When it comes to football, however, seeing is believing with DiLucia. He is one of the premier players in the WPIAL. He has the resume to prove it.
This fall, DiLucia will be a four-year starter on the Peters Township football team, which is ranked among the top two teams in Class 5A after finishing 11-2 overall and as runner-up to Pine-Richland in last year’s WPIAL championship game.
A four-year starter in the defensive secondary and a three-year starter at quarterback, DiLucia has passed for 6,040 career yards, including 3,131 his sophomore year when he led Peters Township to a district championship, a PIAA runner-up banner and a 15-1 record.
Last fall, DiLucia quarterbacked the Indians to the WPIAL finals for the second straight season by passing for 2,525 yards and rushing for 506 more. He tossed 25 TD aerials and rushed for five scores.
DiLucia says he “honestly” doesn’t care about those statistics. Believe him, not because he says so, but because he demonstrates the mark of a winner.
“Nolan is an Alpha Male. He wants to win. That’s important to him,” said PT head coach TJ Plack.
DiLucia agreed.
“My main goal is just winning,” he said. “I’m not focused on chasing any records, just championships. I’m focused on that. I’m keeping my head down. I want us to score touchdowns because that leads us to wins and I want zero interceptions. I wish I didn’t throw them but you can’t predict when you make a wrong read.”
DiLucia has thrown 23 interceptions while tossing 56 TDs in his career. Heading into the 2025 campaign, the Indians have sported a 32-7 record with DiLucia at the controls with a conference championship, two district final appearances and a state final showing.
“Nolan’s a leader on and off the field and we hope he continues to be while asking more of him,” Plack said.
The Indians may ask DiLucia to do more in the rushing department, likely on “designed” plays and draws.
“He’s capable of more things,” Plack said.
DiLucia, however, does it all for the Indians. He has started at safety in the defensive secondary since his freshman year. Last year, he had an interception and broke up four passes. He’s also the team’s long snapper.
DiLucia would want it no other way.
“He hates to lose,” Plack said. “He makes everyone around him better, even me. He makes me look good if I call a bad play. He makes good decisions.”
Prior to the season, in early spring, DiLucia made his college choice. He decided to accept a scholarship offer from Villanova University. He will major in business while playing for the Wildcats.
“Academics speaks for itself,” said DiLucia, who maintains a 4.2 GPA at Peters Township. “Plus the campus is beautiful.
“I was able to talk to the coaches and the players and it felt like a brotherhood at Villanova,” he continued. “That was really big for me.”
Villanova presented an opportunity for DiLucia to compete right away. He fits into the Wildcats’ schemes.
“It was the perfect decision for him,” Plack said. “Anywhere would have been great for him because Nolan’s a perfect fit for any team. Villanova has a great staff, environment and a winning program.”
Until he graduates early in December, DiLucia is focused on PT’s successful program. He hopes to leave that as his legacy.
Of his goals and expectations for the season, DiLucia said he wanted to make sure the players are ready for each game.
“Win all our games,” he said. “I want to lead the team to winning the conference and winning states.”
DiLucia will worry about long-term future goals later. He said like all players his age he “dreams” of playing in the NFL.
“I’d love to stay in sports, whether that is playing or coaching,” he said.
To achieve that aspiration, DiLucia leans on the wisdom of his father, Michael.
“He has pushed me to be my best. He has always harped on me to do the right thing and be consistent. If you do that, that leads to the right position in life.”
Nolan DiLucia
Bio Box
Age: 18
Parents: Michael and Jennifer
Birthdate: May 3
Siblings: Lexi, Jakob
School: Peters Township
Year: Senior
GPA: 4.2
College choice: Villanova
Major: Business
Food: Pasta
Restaurant: Arlecchino Ristorante
Read: Can’t Hurt Me
Color: Baby Blue
Athlete: Josh Allen
Musical artist: Sabrina Carpenter. “I like to listen to slower songs to calm my nerves and relax but right before games I do prefer the hype music.”
People might be surprised to know this about you: “I was class president last year.” Nolan did not run for reelection because he will graduate early from high school in December and begin studies at Villanova.
Person with whom you would like to have dinner: “My great, great grandmother, Theresa. She was 93 when I was three. I always heard great things about her.”
Life lesson sports has taught you: Don’t take anything for granted.