Colin McLinden rambles past Penn-Trafford defender (No. 27)

Drew Saxton

South Fayette

Representing the face of the program since Brett Brumbaugh set the WPIAL and state passing marks with 11,084 career yards, this senior repeats as an Almanac all-star. The 6-1, 195-pound signal caller finished his career among the Top 10 leaders in the WPIAL and No. 2 at South Fayette, behind Brumbaugh with 7,452 passing yards. He tossed 94 career touchdowns. This autumn, he ranked No. 4 in the WPIAL in passing. He completed 157 of his 248 attempts for 2,749 yards and 33 touchdowns. Named the Northwest Nine All-Conference’s first team quarterback for the second season in a row, Saxton also earned offensive player of the year laurels in the league. He gained All-State honors, too. “Drew knows the game,” Coach Joe Rossi said.

“Because of that, his talent and ability to read defense, Rossi added, “Drew gave us a chance to win.”

Tanner Volpatti

Bethel Park

This senior ranked 15th in scoring in the WPIAL. Only one other Class 6-A player rated higher. The 5-10, 190-pound tailback rushed for 24 scores and 1,213 yards. He also managed 245 yards on eight receptions for a 30.6 average. Volpatti rushed for a career-high 348 yards and four scores in a 55-21 romp over Hempfield this fall. “Tanner’s tough,” Coach Jeff Metheny said. “When he runs the ball, he hits the holes and finishes things off. He has great vision, good instincts and he protects the ball. On defense, Volpatti wasn’t just the Hawks’ cover guy. “Tanner made the big hits when we needed them,” Metheny said. “He’s physical, makes great defensive decisions and fills the gaps. He did a nice job for us.”

Lionel Deanes Seton-La Salle

This senior electrified the Rebels’ offense, rushing for more than 1,000 yards for the third consecutive season. An All-Allegheny Conference, first-team selection, he led the WPIAL in rushing with 2,112 yards on 297 carries. The 5-7, 185-pound tailback averaged 7.1 yards per carry. Deanes ranked fourth in the district in scoring with 28 touchdowns, 25 of them on the ground. He also caught 16 passes for 240 yards and a 15-yard average. With 5,523 career yards and 56 touchdowns, he shattered the rushing and scoring records at Seton LaSalle. “Lionel is one of the hardest working student-athletes that I have ever coached,” Rob Carter said. “He was a true team player and a pleasure to coach. He leaves a great mark on the program and at the school.”

Aidan Cain

Mt. Lebanon

This senior made up for lost time. After missing two seasons due to knee injuries, he had a record-breaking season. The 6-1, 170-pound receiver led the WPIAL with 1,749 receiving yards on 101 receptions. He averaged 17.3 yards per catch. Cain shattered district records for the most yards in a single game with 350, most receptions in a game with 27, receptions in a season and yards in a season. An all-conference performer, he punted for the Blue Devils, played free safety on defense and returned kicks on special teams. Cain hopes to major in business while playing football for an Ivy League institution or a Patriot League school.

Lucas Decaro

Mt. Lebanon

This junior had the second most yards in receptions in the Southeastern 6-A Conference and ranked in the Top 20 of receivers in the WPIAL. He pulled in 43 catches for 756 yards. He also scored four touchdowns. The 5-10, 155-pound wide out also played on defense and special teams for the Blue Devils. He earned All-Conference, second team honors at wide receiver. “Lucas was overshadowed by Aidan (Cain),” Coach Mike Melynk said, “but it was a star nonetheless for us.”

Colby Sordsal

Mt. Lebanon

Selected first-team all-conference at offensive tackle, this 6-3, 205-pound senior committed to William & Mary during the season. His blocking ability enabled the Blue Devils to produce two, 1,000-yard passers (James Stocker, 1,952 yards and 12 TDs and Seth Morgan, 1,202 yards and 11 TDs) this season. Lebo also massed 1,590 yards rushing. “Colby is an extremely hard worker and exceptionally strong leader,” Mike Melnyk said. “He turned himself into a Division I prospect by being strong in the weight room.”

Ray Eldridge

South Fayette

A two-way starter and anchor on the line, this 6-4, 265-pound senior ranked second on the team in sacks with seven. He also ranked among the team’s top tacklers with 31 solo and 18 assisted stops for 49 total. He recovered a fumble and caused a safety. Offensively, he helped the Lions throw for 2,812 yards and rush for 2,096 more. “Ray’s a big, able-bodied kid that works his tail off,” Joe Rossi said. “He did a great job anchoring our line and we expect big things from him in the future.” Eldridge will continue his career at the University of Richmond.

Ray Eldridge — South Fayette

A two-way starter and anchor on the line, this 6-4, 265-pound senior ranked second on the team in sacks with seven. He also ranked among the team’s top tacklers with 31 solo and 18 assisted stops for 49 total. He recovered a fumble and caused a safety. Offensively, he helped the Lions throw for 2,812 yards and rush for 2,096 more. “Ray’s a big, able-bodied kid that works his tail off,” Joe Rossi said. “He did a great job anchoring our line and we expect big things from him in the future.” Eldridge will continue his career at the University of Richmond.

Liam Williams

Bethel Park

A two-way starter, this 5-10, 200-pound senior earned first-team all-conference honors at center. In anchoring the offensive line, he alternated snapping to three different quarterbacks until the Hawks settled on Anthony Chiccitt. Thanks to the settling influence of Williams, Chiccitt passed for nearly 1,000 yards. In addition, Williams helped block for Tanner Volpatti, a 1,000-yard rusher. His efforts also led the Hawks to the Southeastern Conference championship and an 8-2 record.

Nick McNally

Seton-La Salle

A gladiator on the gridiron, this 5-11, 260-pound senior sacrificed for his comrades. A two-way starter, he anchored the line at center and helped pave the way for Lionel Deanes to lead the WPIAL in rushing and for Matt Banbury to throw for 1,200 yards and rush for 410 more while accounting for 14 touchdowns. On the defensive line, McNally totaled 50 tackles and recorded five sacks. “Nick plays with toughness, grit and heart” Coach Rob Carter said. “Others see that and respond to it. He provided us with leadership and an emotional boost when we needed it.”

Dan Kwiatkoski Bethel Park

A two-way starter, this 5-10, 190-pound senior helped anchor an offensive line at guard. His play enabled the Hawks to steamroll through the Southeastern Conference undefeated with a 6-0 slate. His blocking enabled the Hawks to produce a 1,000-yard rusher and WPIAL leader in Tanner Volpatti as well as protect a rookie quarterback in Anthony Chiccitt, who ended up completing 50 of 98 passes for 999 yards and nine scores. Kwiatkoski earned first-team all-conference honors.

Connor Wholey

Bethel Park

An Ivy League prospect, this 6-7, 250-pound senior anchored the Hawks’ offensive line at tackle. His play fueled a potent offense that averaged 34.4 points per game as well as produced both a 1,000-yard rusher in Tanner Volpatti and a near-1,000-yard passer in Anthony Chiccitt. Wholey also played on the line for a defense that surrendered 19 points per game. “Connor is intelligent,” Coach Jeff Metheny said. “He has the tools and great potential.” The two-way tackle earned Southeastern Conference first-team honors.

Jack Hansberry Upper St. Clair

The Panthers asked a lot of this versatile “warrior” and he produced, guiding the team to a conference championship and the WPIAL 5-A semifinals. The 6-2, 205-pound senior started at quarterback, played nickel back on defense and doubled as the team’s long snapper on punts and extra points. A multi-purpose player in the backfield, Hansberry accounted for 2,276 yards of offense. He completed 111 of 207 passes for 1,590 yards and 11 scores. He also rushed for 686 yards and 11 more touchdowns. “Our team was successful when he was on top of his game,” Coach Jim Render said. “Jack was a big reason why we won a conference championship.”

Josh Blamer

Seton LaSalle

A three-year starter at left tackle, this 6-4, 250-pound senior captained the Rebels to an undefeated (7-0) conference championship. SLS finished 9-2 overall, one game shy of competing in the WPIAL Class 3-A championship game at Heinz Field. The Rebels lost to eventual champion, Quaker Valley, 40-7, in the district semifinals. Blamer led the team in sacks with seven. He recorded 42 tackles. Bucknell, Lehigh, Georgia Tech, Penn State as well as MIT, CMU and RPI are recruiting Blamer, who owns a 4.9 QPA. “Josh is a cerebral player, athletic for his size and length,” Coach Rob Carter said. “He moves well. He played a priceless role on our team.”

Gavin Vargesko

Bethel Park

Another two-way starter, this 6-1, 250-pound senior proved immovable on the line for the Hawks. “Tough and strong,” said Coach Jeff Metheny, noting Vargesko’s ability to bench press 300 pounds. A veteran at the guard slot, he posted 13 sacks on defense. He was named to the Southeastern All-Conference squad for the second season in a row, gaining recognition on the first team at defensive end.

Dante Grecco

Upper St. Clair

This 6-1, 235-pound senior has started multiple places for the Panthers the past three years, settling at guard on offense and end on defense for the 2017 campaign. He recorded 44 tackles and seven tackles for loss. His efforts on defense netted him first-team all-conference laurels at end. A “cerebral” player, who owns a near-4.0 GPA, Grecco hopes to play in college while pursuing a career in the medical field. Case Western, John Carroll and Washington & Lee have expressed interest.

Jake Slinger

Upper St. Clair

This junior started at right tackle on offense and interior line on defense for the Panthers, who won the Allegheny Nine Conference with a 7-1 record and advanced to the WPIAL 5-A semifinals. A first-team all-conference performer at defensive tackle, Slinger recorded 74 tackles and 11 tackles for loss to go along with three sacks. “Jake is a very powerful player who is extremely physical as a dominating lineman,” Coach Jim Render said.

James Gmiter

Bethel Park

For four years the Hawks depended on this 6-5, 305-pound tackle and he delivered. He recorded 13 sacks on defense and helped carve out a path that produced one of the WPIAL’s top rushers and a near-1,000-yard passer on offense. Gmiter earned all-conference laurels on defense for the second year in a row. He also gained a scholarship to the University of West Virginia. “To have played varsity since his freshman year, means he is a special guy,” Coach Jeff Metheny said. “James is so athletic and he works hard in the weight room. He’s got a great opportunity ahead of him.”

Coleman Coco

Mt. Lebanon

This 6-3, 240-pound senior excelled at end. On defense, he ranked second on the team in tackles with 56. He also accumulated 10 tackles for loss and recorded six sacks, both team highs. Coco earned first-team all-conference honors as well as a full scholarship to Colgate. He has all the tools to excel for the Raiders. “Coleman is big, fast and very good with his hands. He has a great motor,” Mike Melnyk said. “He has tremendous potential.”

Colin McLinden

Upper St. Clair

A starter since his freshman year, this 6-1, 195-pound junior gained Allegheny Nine All-Conference acclaim on defense as an outside linebacker but also excelled as a running back. He led the Panthers in scoring with 78 points and in rushing with 859 yards on 178 carries for a 4.8 average. He managed 259 additional yards on 13 kickoff returns. On defense, McLinden ranked fourth on the team in tackles with 78. In addition to two interceptions, he had six tackles for loss and two sacks. “Colin is never off the field and repeatedly makes big plays on both sides of the ball,” Coach Jim Render said.

Noah Plack

South Fayette

This 6-2, 205-pound senior is the “best defensive player” that Joe Rossi had ever coached. “He creates havoc,” the Lions’ coach said. In the Northern Nine Conference he did just that as the Lions extended their regular-season winning streak to 56 games. Plack was named the league’s defensive player of the year. As a linebacker, he recorded 75 tackles, second-most on the squad. He added 11 tackles for loss, five sacks and one fumble recovery. A three-year starter, he led the Lions in receiving with 935 yards. His 52 receptions averaged 18 yards. He scored 13 touchdowns, including a one-handed grab that proved the motivation in knocking off Montour, 49-21, in the conference-clinching contest. Named first-team, all-conference on both sides of the ball, he earned All-State honors at tight end. Plack will play at the University of Delaware.

Jack Burton

Upper St. Clair

This senior captain moved from fullback to guard this season. “He excelled,” Coach Jim Render said. He gained all-conference, first-team recognition at offensive guard. On the defensive side of the ball, Burton also stood out. A two-year starter at inside linebacker, he led the Panthers in tackles with 84 and six for negative yardage.

Mason Ventrone

Mt. Lebanon

Just a sophomore, this 6-0, 175-pound defensive back earned Southeastern Conference first-team laurels. He started 10 games at corner for the Blue Devils and racked up 32 tackles. “He did an excellent job always covering the No. 1 receiver for the other team,” Coach Mike Melnyk said. “He has a great future ahead of him.” Ventrone certainly has a future in track, too. As a freshman, he finished third in the state in the high jump. “Mason is an excellent athlete,” emphasized Melnyk.

Matt Kissinger

Upper St. Clair

This senior did a little of everything for the Panthers. He played free safety on defense as well as a “hybrid” tight end/wide receiver on offense. He also excelled on special teams. Kissinger garnered all-conference, first-team acclaim as a defensive back. He racked up 66 tackles and picked off two passes. He had nine receptions for 88 yards. He also recovered a fumble. “Matt was our most versatile player,” Coach Jim Render said. “He could do many things including making tackles on kick coverage.”

Corban Hondru

Peters Township

The Indians have a bright future ahead and it’s not just because they posted one of their best showing in years. It’s because of the youth Peters Township has returning and one of the top newcomers proved to be Corban Hondru. This 6-0, 215-pound freshman started all 11 games for the Indians, who posted a 7-4 overall record and earned a playoff berth in the 6-A playoffs with a 4-2 showing in the Southeastern Conference. Corban spearheaded a defense that allowed just 18.9 points per game. He finished as the team’s top tackler with 58. He intercepted two passes, returning one for a touchdown. “Not only was Corban able to withstand the week in and week out grind as a 6A middle linebacker,” Coach TJ Plack said, “but he made all our defensive calls.”

Coach of the Year: Jeff Metheny, Bethel Park

In 2008, Jeff Metheny coached Bethel Park to its first WPIAL championship in football. To duplicate such a feat nine years later would prove an impossibility with Pine-Richland and its quarterback Phil Jurkovec in the mix. While Metheny, like all the other Class 6-A coaches, knew this, he still gave it the old college try and came pretty darn close.

Were it not for a pair of injuries to standout tailbacks Tanner Volpatti and John Doleno, not to mention a few critical turnovers, Metheny’s Black Hawks could very well have been chanting “We’re No. 2” behind the Rams. Instead, the Hawks ended their season on a sour note with a 30-28 defeat at the hands of Penn Hills in the WPIAL playoffs leaving Metheny to lament about the opportunity lost. “It’s a hard pill to swallow because these chances don’t come around that often.”

Indeed, it had been nine years since that district title and 15-1 season, BP’s best ever, that ended somberly, too, in Hershey after a 28-21 overtime loss to Bethlehem Liberty in the state finals. For Metheny, however, it ended with honors. So, too, does the 2017 campaign as Metheny has been named Almanac Coach of the Year.

In his 24th season at the helm, Metheny guided the Hawks to their first conference championship in eight years. As they did in winning back-to-back titles in 2008 and 2009 at the Quad-A level, the Hawks went undefeated (6-0) in capturing the Southeastern Conference at the Class 6-A level. Bethel Park finished 8-2 overall. Behind a talented and experienced line, anchored by West Virginia recruit James Gmiter, Metheny fashioned the division’s third most-potent offense behind Pine-Richland (47.6) and North Allegheny (35.4) with a 34.4 points-per-game average.

Metheny set the stage for a successful season by designing a game plan that toppled the Tigers, 35-15, in the first game. Bethel Park clinched the conference championship with a 34-24 victory at Mt. Lebanon.