Bethel Park lineman center of attention at Seton LaSalle
At Seton LaSalle, Nick McNally is the center of attention.
“His bravado,” is what makes him so, says Rob Carter.
The high school social studies teacher and football coach added the Bethel Park resident has the “it” factor that lights up a room when he enters.
“He is a gladiator on the field and a gentleman off of it.”
McNally would also offer he has a great sense of humor.
“I like to think I’m pretty funny. I like to crack jokes. I’m not a ‘knock-knock’ guy. More an on-the-spot guy,” he said.
When the Rebels challenge Quaker Valley at 7:30 p.m. Nov. 10 at North Hills in the WPIAL Class AAA semifinal game, McNally will be more like Johnny-on-the-spot as he anchors the offensive line. The 5-11, 260-pound senior is prepared to both center the ball and knock the opposition on its tail to assure SLS reaches its destination, Heinz Field, where the championship contest will be played Nov. 18.
“When it comes to football, the team is the center. The whole shebang,” said the 17-year-old son of Blake and Joanna McNally. “I’d like to say though that I do have a major role out there on the field. The snap is so important because if it’s bad then it could mess up the whole play. I take it very seriously.”
A two-year starter, McNally also takes his role as a captain seriously. He says that he tries to be a model for the younger players because he knows they look up to him. He’s vocal and motivating. Before games, players crowd around him. McNally then becomes animated.
“I start screaming, usually whatever comes to mind. It’s based on what I am feeling and based on pumping up the team and getting them ready to go,” he said.
According to Carter, McNally’s approach works.
“Nick is the leader on the offensive line. He has really matured into a guy that the other young men can look to for an emotional boost. He plays with toughness, grit and heart. Others see that and respond to it. Nick is a guy who will sacrifice for the guy next to him.”
The reason, McNally said, is obvious. With sisters as his only siblings, the football players are his “brothers” and there is nothing he says he wouldn’t do for them.
“I sacrifice my body. I sacrifice my time. On and off the field, I’d do anything for them. The guy next to me is more important than me. That’s just love. It’s the adversity you go through for your teammate. The constant mental and physical strain you go through for the guy next to you. I do it for them, my teammates. My brothers,” he said.
Since third grade, McNally has made sacrifices on the field. He started playing football in the Bethel Park recreation program but switched to playing primarily for his school teams at St. Louise de Marillac and now Seton LaSalle. While he has always played center, he does play tackle on defense.
“It’s very hard to play both ways. Very demanding because you are never on the sidelines,” he said. “I always give 100 percent though. It’s hitting all the time.”
Hitting is what McNally enjoys. He was particularly thrilled to get the chance to knock Freeport out of the playoffs last week. In scoring a 35-18 victory, the Rebels get the chance to avenge their only loss this season when they face Quaker Valley on Friday. SLS lost to the Quakers, 42-7, on Oct. 20.
“We were very angry after that loss. We want our hearts back,” McNally said. “We are going to come out guns blazing and stop any momentum they have.”
Because of his technique, McNally stops his opponent. His has good footwork and he positions himself well to make both the snap and ward off the nose guard.
“On offense, I’m trying to win the battle with the people in front of me. On defense, I try to fill my gaps and free up the linebackers so they can make the plays. But my job on offense is more critical. I have to strike first and better. Throw the first punch and use my hands to pass block.”
Technique and repetition is key to success for the center handing off to the quarterback. In this instant, because of McNally, Matt Banbury has thrown for more than 1,000 yards. Additionally, his blocking has paved the way for Lionel Deanes to gain 2,060 yards rushing, tops in the WPIAL. Deanes ran for 282 yards and scored six times in the win against Freeport.
Practice and precision have enabled McNally to hone his technique. Because he has performed many reps with Banbury over the years, opposing linemen seldom “crush” him.
Before he heads off the college to study business and perhaps play at a Division III college such as St. Vincent, Washington and Jefferson, Baldwin-Wallace or Westminster, McNally hopes he leaves behind a positive legacy.
“I know I work my hardest every single game. It’s a grind you go through but it brings everybody closer together. Whether you are winning or losing, you know that you’ve tried your best. It’s what we do. It’s a torch we carry and pass on to the players. I want them to be as good as I was or even better.”
Who is he: Bethel Park resident who plays center for the Seton LaSalle football team, which is in the WPIAL Class 3-A semifinals against Quaker Valley.
Year: Senior
Age: 17
Birthdate: Feb. 2
Parents: Blake and Joanna
Siblings: Danielle, 25, Emma, 13, Kennedy, 6
Other sports: Lacrosse, swimming, basketball
Clubs: Junior Achievement, English Festival
GPA: 3.3
College choices: St. Vincent, W&J, Baldwin-Wallace, Westminster
Major: Accounting
Career choice: Business
Color: Green
Food: Cheeseburgers
Movie: “That’s a tough one, because I am a big movie guy. I love movies so that’s got me stumped. If force to say then, I liked the Spiderman Movie.”
Musical Group: AC/DC
Restaurant: Primanti’s
Book: Percy Jackson Series
Dream Destination: “Lima. Because my grandma is from Peru. My grandfather met her there when he was in the Peace Corps.”
Favorite athlete: James Harrison
Hero: “My dad. He’s a hard worker. Very determined. Straight to point. He understands a lot and helps me out with hard, everyday stuff.”
People might be surprised to know this about you? “While I was born on Groundhog Day, I have a sister that was born on Thanksgiving, another born on Valentine’s Day and the youngest was born on Mother’s Day.
Who you would like to have dinner with? Mark Walhberg
What has sport taught you? “How to deal with adversity and persevere through hardship.”
What like best about your sport? “I love the hitting and physicality. The constant toughness.”
In 15 years, I will be… “Hopefully married with nice job and pay bills with and have a few kids with.”