Metheny named Almanac MVP
Levi Metheny has been named Almanac MVP for football. The Bethel Park senior passed for nearly 2,000 yards and 20 touchdowns this season. He earned all-conference honors as a linecker and he averaged 37 yards per punt.
Levi Metheny will continue his playing career at the University of Albany.
Levi Metheny passed for nearly 5,000 yards and 50 TDs in his career.
When it comes to bragging, Levi Metheny boasts a bit. But, it’s usually about his teammates. They are the ones that have helped him achieve great things while playing football at Bethel Park High School. They are the ones responsible for him being named 2015 Almanac MVP after he compiled 1,711 passing yards for 20 touchdowns, rushed for nine more scores, averaged 37 yards a punt and led his team in tackles.
“Definitely was a great season,” Metheny remarked of BP’s 7-4 campaign that ended with a loss to Woodland Hills in the quarterfinals of the WPIAL playoffs. “Yes, it was one of my better seasons,” admitted the 18-year-old son of Jeff and Cindy Metheny, “but I have to thank my teammates for that.”
Of his sensational quarterbacking stats, which ranked fourth in Quad-A and 16th overall in the district, Metheny paid tribute to his linemen, which included all-conference performers like Chris Pauley and Sean Davis, not to mention Marc Dunlap, Josh Sosnak and James Gmiter.
“They helped me get the time in and sit back there for at least a couple of seconds and get the ball off to some really good wide receivers,” Metheny said, noting Jake Dixon and Charlie Davis, both of whom also garnered all-conference acclaim. “I’d like to just thank them. (When you get inside the red zone) and you are able to throw to guys like that, that helps out a lot.”
It helped the Hawks that Metheny was able to run as well. He averaged 5.2 yards a carry, gaining 232 yards on 82 attempts. Plus, he punched in nine touchdowns.
“It’s just concentration at that point,” Metheny said. “Yes, it’s desire, too. When you are down there so close, you might as well put the ball in however way you can get it (into the end zone).”
For four years, Metheny has made of habit of propelling Bethel Park into the end zone. He threw for 41 scores alone in his career and for 4,267 yards. He had three, 1,000-yard campaigns but suffered an injury-plagued sophomore season that netted him just 329 yards. Metheny rushed for 32 career touchdowns and over 800 yards.
A two-year captain, Metheny enjoyed playing on both sides of the ball. Plus, he handled the punting for the Hawks. While he registered 75 tackles, 15 for losses, this season as a linebacker, Metheny also averaged 37 yards a punt. He posted seven sacks, one interception and a fumble recovery in earning for himself all-conference honors as a linebacker.
“Defense is a lot different than offense. Being a quarterback you have to be more patient,” Metheny said. “Being a linebacker, you get to go out there and hit pretty hard. I do like that a lot. It’s a good switch up of the game. It’s nice to give some hits instead of taking them.”
When he matriculates to Albany next fall, Metheny will deliver the hits instead of the scoring strikes. He will play for Greg Gattuso, who excelled at Penn State and has enjoyed a successful coaching career, which started at Seton-La Salle High School.
“I’m really excited to play (at Albany). I really loved the school and the coaching staff,” said Metheny. “It felt right. I will miss being a quarterback but I love defense as well.”
Metheny also embraced playing for his father, Jeff, during his scholastic career.
“I’m not sure about any legacy I left (at Bethel Park), but it was always cool to be able to play, especially for four years. I’m just glad I got to do it here with all my friends and have my dad coach me. I had a great time playing for my father. I wouldn’t have wanted it any other way. All the memories that we created the past four years are priceless. I had a lot of fun and I think we did pretty good.”
Because of Metheny, the Hawks advanced to the playoffs all four seasons. His fortitude propelled Bethel Park, says his father.
“From a coaching standpoint, Levi was one of the toughest and most poised kids that has played here since ’93,” said Jeff Metheny. “He was unstoppable near the goal line. On defense, he was all-league. As a punter, he was very good, pinning the other teams deep within their territory.
“He is a great leader, very hard worker and great teammate. He made many plays for this program, done so many positive things in his career. He is physical, fundamental and understands the game. He’s very smart. We will really miss him.”
Metheny, who also excels on the basketball team, will miss playing for Bethel Park. He says that he has learned so much from his participation in sports. But critical to his success has been his reliance on his teammates.
“Without sports, I don’t know where I would be. Football definitely taught me a lot of toughness and determination. Life lessons like keep pushing forward. Whatever happens, happens. You just have to keep fighting. Fight through the adversity and have a good time. It’s exciting to have done what I have but I could not have done any of it without my teammates. Whatever honors I have gotten is because of them.”