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District 11 Quad-A All Four Classes Era Team (1988-2015)

RoverNation05

Well-Known Member
Aug 22, 2010
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Fun offseason post for me for you to enjoy. With the end of the four class system, here are my picks for the best in 4A from District 11 during the era. Tried to make it as much about high school accomplishments as I could, but what they did at the next level is listed and is often fascinating. Number of selections at each position is based on the way the AP All State team is picked.

Note, ACC is a 3A school, so players like Brendan Nosovitch, Kevin Gulyas, Rashonn Drayton, Mike Cerimele, Victor Montas, Tony Stewart, etc. weren't eligible, otherwise would be shoe ins. Same goes for Dan Kendra and Erik Marsh at Becahi, who played 3A and 2A, Beca only played up from 1998-2003.

Quarterbacks (4)

Dan Persa, Liberty (2003-2006): 5,779 passing yards, 59 TDs; 2,526 rushing yards, 32 TDs
College: Northwestern

First player in Pennsylvania history to threw for 2,000 yards and rush for 1,000 yards in a season when he threw for 2,104 and ran for 1,101 in 2006. Threw 20 touchdowns and ran for 17 as a senior. Threw 44 touchdowns against 7 interceptions in final two seasons. Went 42-9 as a starter, and led Liberty to back-to-back state finals appearances. Three time District 11 finalists in his four years as a starter. Pennsylvania AP Player of the Year and First Team All State quarterback in 2006. Big 33 selection. Four year starting quarterback who keyed Liberty’s resurgence in the mid 2000s. Chose Northwestern over Michigan State, Temple, and West Virginia, famously not receiving an offer from Penn State despite family ties and his stated desire to play there. In college, First Team All Big Ten quarterback in 2010 (over Terrelle Pryor and Denard Robinson) after leading the country in completion percentage and finishing 9th in total offense. Led the country again in completion percentage as a senior. Finished his career the NCAA’s all time leader in completion percentage at 72.7% in 633 attempts and is third in Big Ten history in passer rating. Threw for over 5,000 yards and 34 career TDs and ran for another 1,000 yards and 10 TDs in college.

Devante Cross, Parkland (2013-2015): 6,342 yards, 64 TDs passing; 2,820 yards, 36 TDs rushing
College: Uncommitted

Only quarterback to win three consecutive District 11 titles at the 4A level. Led Parkland to the state finals and was a AP All State quarterback in 2015. Went 36-6 as a starter, getting his first start in game three of his sophomore season. Standout senior season, where he threw for 2,939 yards and 26 touchdowns and ran for 1,358 yards and 19 touchdowns. Named PA Football News State Offensive Player of the Year in 2015. Threw for 2,400 yards as a junior and set a school record with 27 TD passes. Also a standout cornerback and was an all league selection on defense. Parkland’s all time leader in every major passing category. Decommitted from Boston College, where he was recruited as a cornerback after receiving offers to play QB at Virginia and Virginia Tech.

Mark Borda, Bethlehem Catholic (1999-2001): 5,740 yards passing, 48 TDs passing
College: Lehigh

Took over as a sophomore midway through the 1999 season due to injury, and quarterbacked Becahi to back-to-back D11 titles and Eastern Final appearances against CB West. Threw for 2,897 yards, then a D11 single season record, in Becahi’s explosive 2000 offense. Named First Team AP All State quarterback in 2000. Second in Becahi history in passing yards and touchdowns behind Dan Kendra (who played 3A,otherwise would be a shoe in for this team). Dismissed from the team before the final week of the regular season in 2001, otherwise, could have joined Cross as three-time D11 champion quarterbacks. Threw for 1,887 yards and 20 touchdowns in nine games as a senior before dismissal. Initially recruited by UCLA, Tennessee, and Maryland before bigger schools backed off, and stayed local by committing to Lehigh. In college, was an All Patriot League selection as a junior, and was a preseason FCS All American in 2005 before a broken foot prematurely ended his college career.

Dan Harding, Nazareth (2010-2011): 5,541 yards passing, 48 TDs
College: Akron/Sierra Junior College/Albany

Led Nazareth to their only District 11 title and state playoff appearance in 2011. Named the AP State Player of the Year and First Team quarterback in 2011. Broke Mark Borda’s D11 Quad-A passing record by almost 1,000 yards, lighting up opposing defenses for 3,749 yards and 32 TDs in 2011. Has bounced around in college, starting at Akron, then transferring to Sierra Junior College in California, where he was a JUCO regional All American, and spent this fall at FCS Albany.
 
Running Backs (5)

Austin Scott, Parkland (2000, 2002): 5,771 rushing yards, 73 TDs
College: Penn State

Parade All American, AP Player of the Year, and First Team All State running back for the state champion Parkland Trojans in 2002. Big 33 pick. Also a Second Team All State selection as a sophomore in 2000. Holds the Pennsylvania 4A record with 3,856 yards and 53 TDs in 2000. Also set the Pennsylvania state sophomore record with 1,918 yards in 2000, later broken by LeSean McCoy. Tenth in 4A history in rushing yards, despite only playing two seasons, averaging 221 yards per game for his career. Missed all of 2001 with a knee injury. Set state finals records with 251 yards and 5 TDs against a Woodland Hills defense with multiple players who played in the NFL. Committed to Penn State in September of his senior year, then stuck with the Nittany Lions despite offers from Michigan, Texas, UCLA, and Texas A&M during his monster senior season. At Penn State, led the Nittany Lions in rushing as a true freshman, but spent most of his career in Joe Paterno’s doghouse for various disciplinary issues. Was the MVP of the 2005 Orange Bowl, running for 110 yards and 2 TDs in a win over Florida State. Dismissed from the program in 2007.

James Mungro, East Stroudsburg (1993-1996): 8,432 rushing yards, 115 TDs
College: Syracuse
NFL: Indianapolis Colts

Parade All American in 1996. Pennsylvania AP Player of the Year in 1995 after rushing for a then state record 3,089 yards as a junior. Ran for "only" 2,541 yards and 34 TDs as a senior and was named First Team AP All State. Led East Stroudsburg to the only D11 title by a non-Lehigh Valley school as a junior in 1995. Ran for a record 313 yards in the D11 championship game against Stroudsburg. Was Pennsylvania’s all time leading rusher upon his graduation in 1996, a record he held until 2008, and remains fifth on the career list. Team went 23-2 in his junior and senior seasons. Named MVP of the Big 33 game after running for 80 yards on ten carries and scoring twice. Chose Syracuse over South Carolina and Virginia Tech. Three year starter at Syracuse and second in Orange history in yards per carry. Third highest single-season rushing total at Syracuse. Signed as an undrafted free agent with the Indianapolis Colts, playing five years in the NFL as a third-down back, and won a Super Bowl ring in 2006.

Juan Gaddy, Easton (1989-1992): 5,116 rushing yards, 64 TDs
College: Temple

Two-time First Team All State selection at running back, was the first 5,000 yard rusher in District 11 history. Graduated 3rd on the Pennsylvania career rushing yards list. One of three players in D11 4A history with three 1,000 yard seasons. Averaged 7.2 yards per carry in his career and over 140 yards per game as a starting running back. Team won D11 titles in 1990 and 1991 and played CB West in the ’91 Eastern Final. Went 42-10 in his four years as a starter, four at defensive back and three at running back. Ran for 58 yards and two TDs on eight carries in the Big 33 game. Initially committed to Florida State over Arkansas and Georgia, but was ineligible to play as a freshman under NCAA Prop 48 and signed with Temple. Blew out his ACL in spring practice in 1994 before reconstructive surgery was common, and never gained much traction as a college player.

Tosh Riddick, Dieruff (1995-1997): 5,668 rushing yards, 66 TDs.
College: Rutgers

Broke Juan Gaddy’s Lehigh Valley career rushing record, and ran for 2,371 yards and 33 touchdowns while being named Second Team All State in 1997. Led the Huskies to a surprising D11 finals appearance in 1996, running for 241 yards and 5 TDs in a classic running back dual with Mungro in the semifinals. Committed on signing day to Rutgers over Pitt and Temple. Played one season at Rutgers, earning All Big East honors as a kick returner for the Scarlet Knights.

Saquon Barkley, Whitehall (2012-2014): 3,646 yards, 63 TDs
College: Penn State

First Team All State selection in 2014. Big 33 selection. Whitehall’s all time leader in rushing yards and rushing touchdowns. Also set a single season rushing record in 2014 with 1,856 yards and 31 TDs. Led Whitehall to back-to-back D11 semifinals appearances and 11-2 seasons. Committed to Rutgers at their camp the summer after his sophomore season, having not yet started a game at running back. Received offers from Missouri, Notre Dame, Ohio State, Penn State, and North Carolina following breakout junior year, and flipped his commitment to Penn State. USA Today Freshman All American at Penn State, after becoming the first Nittany Lion in twenty years to rush for 1,000 yards as a true freshman. Named by ESPN’s Kirk Herbstreit as the most exciting freshman offensive player in the country in 2015.

Matt Thomas, Parkland (1996-1997): 4,283 yards rushing, 45 TDs
College: Penn

As a a junior in 1996, led Parkland to their first ever D11 championship and state playoff appearance, with the Trojans advancing to the Eastern Finals against eventual state champion Downingtown. Set a D11 state playoff record with 288 yards in a quarterfinal win over Cedar Cliff. The first player in Lehigh Valley history to rush for 2,000 yards in a season, with 2,383 yards in 1996. Followed that up with 1,900 yards and 23 touchdowns a senior as Parkland advanced to the D11 finals and Thomas was named Second Team All State. Averaged 7.5 yards per carry for his career. Stellar student, chose Penn over Yale, Harvard, and Lehigh. Excelled as a college kick returner and third down back.
 
Wide Receivers (5)

Tim Massaquoi, Parkland (1998-2000): 114 catches, 1,928 yards, 31 TDs
College: Michigan
NFL: Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Miami Dolphins, Buffalo Bills

At 6’5 225 pounds, who ran a 4.6 40 and had a 38 inch vertical leap, Massquoi was the most physically dominant player of the era in D11. Burst onto the scene as a sophomore in 1998 for the Eastern Finalist Trojans, catching 35 passes for 719 yards and 12 touchdowns. Led the state in touchdown catches in 1999. Was named First Team All State in 2000 after a 50 catch, 750 yard season. Big 33 selection. Parkland went 30-6 with Massaquoi in the lineup. Also a terror at outside linebacker, and recorded 80 tackles and 8 sacks as a senior in 2000. A 1,000 point scorer on the hardwood as well. Chose Michigan over Penn State after narrowing down from over 40 offers. At Michigan, was moved to tight end, and was a two-time All Big Ten selection for the Wolverines. Caught a touchdown in the Rose Bowl against USC in 2004. Was drafted by the Bucs in the Seventh Round of the 2006 NFL Draft, and played three injury plagued partial seasons of professional football.

Adam Bridgeforth, Nazareth (2010-2011): 101 catches, 1,583 yards, 17 TDs
College: Colgate

Named First Team AP All State after leading the state in catches and yards in 2011. Holds D11 Quad-A single season records with 82 catches and 1,221 yards in 2011 for Nazareth’s record setting offense. Led Nazareth to their only D11 championship and the best season in school history. Caught 23 passes for 397 yards in four playoff games in 2011. At Colgate, a two-year starter at defensive back for the Red Raiders. Tore his ACL in the 2015 season opener, ending his college career.

Devin Street, Liberty (2006-2008) 54 catches, 1,006 yards, 11 TDs
College: Pittsburgh
NFL: Dallas Cowboys

Named Second Team AP All State in 2008 as Liberty won D11’s last state championship. Caught 49 passes for 822 yards and eight touchdowns, all Liberty single season records. Liberty went 38-5 in his three year varsity career, where he started three years at defensive back and two at wide receiver. Played in two state championship games, and won the 2008 4A championship. Also a state finalist in the long jump. Chose Pitt over UConn, Temple, and Boston College. At Pitt, was an All ACC selection at wide receiver and finished his career as Pitt’s all time leader in receptions with 202. Was drafted in the Fourth Round of the 2014 NFL Draft by the Dallas Cowboys and saw significant time this season due to the Dez Bryant injury.

Jaleel Clark, Parkland (2007-2008): 85 catches, 1,287 yards, 15 TDs
College: Missouri

Two-time First Team AP All State selection. Led Parkland to the 2007 state finals with 51 catches for 785 yards and 10 TDs, despite running the Wing-T offense. Also grabbed five interceptions. Had 106 receiving yards and two TDs in the Eastern Final against Ridley and put Parkland in the 2007 state final. Was named All State as a defensive back in 2008. Chose Missouri over UConn, Minnesota, Penn State, and Pitt. At Missouri, spent his first three years contributing primarily on special teams before cracking the two-deep at wide receiver as a senior. Played in the 2013 SEC Championship game.

Trent Clark, Freedom (1996-1997): 86 catches, 1,576 yards, 26 TDs
Second Team All State selection as a senior, catching 54 passes for 855 yards and 14 TDs. Fourteen TD catches set a D11 record in the 4A classification, which still stands (tied in 2015). Averaged over 22 yards per catch as a junior and caught 12 TD passes. Set a school record with 10 catches for 139 yards in an upset win over 1997 D11 champs Whitehall. Tiny slot receiver (5’9 165) with great hands and breakaway speed. Two-time state finalist in the high jump and long jump and won a D11 title in the 200 meter dash.

Tight Ends (2)

Mark Libiano, Easton (1989-1991): 62 catches, 1,502 yards, 18 TDs
College: East Carolina

First Team All State tight end in 1991 as Easton won a D11 title and advanced to the Eastern Final. Recorded the only 1,000 yard season in Easton history when he caught 45 passes for 1,010 yards and 13 TDs in 1991. The yardage and touchdowns are still program records. Initially cracked the lineup as a sophomore linebacker, where he was a three year starter and impact defender and a Big 33 selection. Imposing, big hitter at 6’4, 230 who could drop back and defend receivers as well as stop the run. Easton went 30-8-1 with Libiano in the lineup, and won 20 straight games against D11 opponents in 1990-1991. Accepted a scholarship from East Carolina over Pitt, North Carolina, South Carolina, and Virginia Tech. Played middle linebacker for the Pirates during the Steve Logan era in the mid 1990s. Finished his career with over 400 tackles, two-time All Conference selection and a league Defensive Player of the Year award in 1994. Two-time Butkus Award semifinalist given to the nation’s top linebacker.

Chris Neild, Stroudsburg (2003-2005): 24 catches, 384 yards, 7 TDs; 150 tackles, 9 sacks
College: West Virginia
NFL: Washington Redskins, Houston Texans

First Team All State tight end in 2004 and Second Team All State linebacker in 2005. Big 33 pick in 2006. Caught 16 passes for 271 yards and five TDs and added 74 tackles and two sacks as a junior. Made 85 tackles and recorded seven sacks as a senior. Athleticism to play middle linebacker and tight end despite being a 6’3 285 pound high school senior. Chose West Virginia over Georgia Tech, NC State, and North Carolina. At West Virginia, bulked up to 325 and played defensive tackle, where he was an All Big East selection and All American in 2007. Seventh round pick of the Washington Redskins in the 2011 NFL Draft. Has played four injury plagued seasons with Washington before signing with Houston this offseason.

Offensive Line (5)

Dan Koppen, Whitehall (1995-1997): 6’3 275
College: Boston College
NFL: New England Patriots, Denver Broncos

Prep All American and First Team AP All State offensive linemen for the 1997 D11 champs. Big 33 selection. Also led the conference with ten sacks that season, and was used as a goal line fullback, and scored 8 TDs on 9 carries. Chose Boston College over Virginia Tech, Syracuse, Minnesota, NC State, and Illinois. At Boston College, was a four year starter and three year All Big East selection. As a senior, he was a finalist for the Rimington Trophy, given to the nation’s best center, and a Third Team All American. Selected in the Fifth Round of the 2003 NFL Draft by the Patriots. He played nine seasons with New England and three in Denver, winning two Super Bowls and playing in five. Pro Bowler at guard and center, and was named First Team All Pro in 2007. Inducted into the Patriots Ring of Honor.

John Blick, Pleasant Valley (1992-1995): 6’7 340
College: Penn State
NFL: Kansas City Chiefs

Monster offensive tackle was a two-time AP All State pick, making the Third Team in 1994 and Second Team in 1995 The first All State selection in school history. Big 33 selection as a senior. As a junior, led Pleasant Valley to their only D11 finals appearance in 1994 and the most wins in school history. Four year starter on the offensive line and three year starter on defense. Three year stater in basketball. Also a state finalist in the discus and shot put. Chose Penn State over Notre Dame, Michigan, and Boston College. At Penn State, was the first true freshman ever to start for Joe Paterno on the offensive line. Started 20 consecutive games in his freshman and sophomore years. Hampered by a knee injury as a junior. Starting right tackle as a senior and was All Big Ten on Penn State’s 1999 team that spent most of the year ranked #1 in the country. Signed as an undrafted free agent with the Chiefs and spent one season on the active roster before playing in NFL Europe.

Levi Brown, Liberty (2006-2008): 6’3 310
College: Temple
NFL: Baltimore Ravens

First Team AP All State defensive lineman in 2008 for the state champion Hurricanes. Three year starter who played in two state championship games on the offensive and defensive lines. Blocked for five 1,000 yard rushers in his three years on the offensive line. Made 75 tackles as a defensive tackle in 2008. Liberty went 39-5 in his three years as a starter. Four year starter at Temple, who was a two-time All MAC selection at defensive tackle. Signed with the Ravens as an undrafted free agent and spent one season on their active roster.

Morgan Thomas, Parkland (2002-2004): 6’1 305
College: East Stroudsburg

Three year starter at left tackle for the Trojans, and was the only sophomore to start on the 2002 state champions. Left tackle who was Parkland’s best lineman during Austin Scott’s record setting season. Two time AP All State selection as a junior and senior in 2003 and 2004. Blocked for three different 1,000 yard rushers in his three seasons. Slightly undersized lineman who chose East Stroudsburg over Delaware and Hofstra. Started 42 consecutive games and was a three time all conference and two time DII Regional All American pick for the Warriors.

Johnny Glass, Dieruff (1996-1998): 6’5 325
College: Rutgers

Two-time AP All State pick for Dieruff, making the Third Team in 1997 and was a First Team pick in 1998. Also a Big 33 selection. Mammoth offensive tackle paved the way for Tosh Riddick’s record setting career. Led Dieruff to their last two D11 playoff appearances, including the D11 finals against Parkland in 1996. Street and Smith top 15 offensive lineman recruit in the class of 1998. Also an all league basketball player. After an initial commitment to Syracuse over Boston College and Miami, went to Hargrove Military Academy right out of Dieruff after not qualifying academically. Played one season at Division II New Haven before transferring to Rutgers to play for Greg Schiano in the great rebuild in Piscataway.
 
Defensive Line (4)

Nate Hobgood-Chittek, William Allen (1989-1992)
College: North Carolina
NFL: St. Louis Rams, San Francico 49ers, Kansas City Chiefs

First Team All State defensive lineman in 1992 after a Second Team selection in 1991. Led Allen to a resurgence under head coach Rich Snisack, going from winless in 1989 to the D11 champs in ’92, the only one for Allen in the state playoff era. Tore a ligament in his right ankle midway through his senior season, but still tallied 71 tackles, 12 tackles for loss, nine sacks, and five forced fumbles. Big 33 starter in 1993. Also a standout tight end for the Canaries, and had an iconic 42 yard catch and run TD in the 1992 D11 title game win over Dieruff. After Allen, selected North Carolina over West Virginia, Boston College, Florida State, and Virginia. Was a three year starter at defensive tackle for Mack Brown at UNC, where they won 10 games in three of his four seasons. Played four years in the NFL, and won a Super Bowl with the 1999 Rams.

David Caldwell, Easton (2008-2010): 177 tackles, 23 TFL, 11 sacks
College: East Stroudsburg

Second Team All State pick at defensive tackle in 2010. Undersized (5’10 245) run stopping defensive tackle is one of the strongest pound-for-pound players for the Rovers in the state playoff era. Led Easton to back-to-back D11 championships as a junior and senior. Team went 32-11 in his three years as a starter (25-5 as a junior and senior). Lehigh Valley Conference Player of the Year as a junior, the only defensive player to win the award in league history. Racked up 70 tackles and six sacks as a junior. Clogged blockers on the interior to pave the way for middle linebackers’ Patrick Murphy’s school record 155 tackles in 2009 and Conor Mulrine’s 110 stops in 2010, the last 100 tackle season by an Easton player. After a football hiatus, started at defensive end for East Stroudsburg this past fall and has two years of eligibility remaining.

Kyle Newell, Bethlehem Catholic (2002-2004): 180 tackles, 17.5 sacks; 53 catches, 890 receiving yards, 8 TDs
College: North Carolina State

Big 33 selection. Tall and rangy defensive end (6’6 235) with an explosive first step. Made 70 tackles and recorded 9.5 sacks as a sophomore in 2002 as Becahi went 11-1 and advanced to the D11 finals before losing to Parkland. Received double and triple teams as a defensive end for the rest of his career. Attention to Newell helped DT Matt Kushner record 110 tackles and 13 sacks in 2004. Two-year starter at tight end, and caught 38 passes for 660 yards and 7 TDs as a senior. Also scored over 1,500 points and is the second all time leading scorer at Becahi in basketball history. First D11 player ever to make the Rivals100 recruiting rankings. Chose NC State over Nebraska, Tennessee, Maryland, Boston College, and Virginia. Played one season at tight end for the Wolfpack before chronic ankle injuries ended his career.

Travis Decker, Parkland (2002-2003): 138 tackles, 28 TFL, 40 sacks
College: Duquense

Tallied 24 sacks in 15 games on the 2002 state champions, including ten in the state playoffs, with four against Woodland Hills in the state final. Then was a First Team AP All State pick at defensive end in 2003 after 51 tackles and 16 sacks in 12 games for the D11 finalists. Also made 18 tackles behind the line of scrimmage in 2003 despite constant double teams. Big 33 pick as a senior. Chose Duquense over Lafayette. After Parkland, was a two time all conference performer at Duquense and was an FCS All American in 2006 and 2007, wracking up over 20 sacks in those two seasons.

Linebacker (6)

Mike Gregorek, Bethlehem Catholic (1997-1999)
College: Lehigh

First Team All State linebacker for 1999 Eastern Finalists. Made 108 tackles, and was named PA Football News State Defensive Player of the Year for the 11-3 Golden Hawks, who won their first 4A D11 title. Also rushed for 694 yards as a fullback and was the team’s starting punter. Made 19 tackles in their classic Eastern Finals with CB West in 1999 at Goodman Stadium. Chose Lehigh over Lafayette, Richmond, UConn, and New Hampshire. At Lehigh, a two-time first team All Patriot League defensive end who led the conference in sacks in 2003.

Marcus Millen, Easton (2001-2003):
College: Army

Son of Lehigh Valley legend Matt Millen, was a Second Team AP All State pick in 2003 for the Eastern Finalist Red Rovers. Tallied 142 tackles, 18 TFL, and 7.5 sacks and was the LVC Defensive Player of the Year despite playing most of the season with a broken left hand. Selected for the Big 33 game, but could not play due to West Point commitment. Three year starter at linebacker and racked up back-to-back 100 tackle seasons as a junior and senior. Played in two D11 championships, winning in 2003 where he recorded 15 tackles and a safety and blocked a punt against Parkland. Made 16 tackles the next week in Easton’s first ever state playoff win. Also placed fifth in the state at 215 pounds in wrestling. Received initial interest from bigger FBS schools, but committed to West Point during his junior season. Played defensive end at Army and was a captain for the Cadets in 2007.

Andres Morales, Liberty (2003-2005): 233 tackles, 13.5 sacks, 25 TFL
College: Rutgers/Bloomsburg

First Team All State middle linebacker for the 2005 state finalists. Made 142 tackles, with 19 behind the line of scrimmage, and 7.5 sacks on the year. Big 33 selection in 2006, first from Liberty since 1975. Led Liberty to back-to-back D11 championship games in 2004 and 2005, winning their first title since 1994. Second Team All State pick as a junior and led Liberty to their first ten win season in twenty years. Went 23-4 in his two seasons as a starter. Ejected from the Eastern Final against North Penn in 2005 and did not play in the state championship game against McKeesport. Chose Rutgers over Missouri, Pitt, and UConn. Three year letter winner at fullback for Rutgers and lead blocker for Ray Rice’s record setting career. Used his fifth year as a graduate transfer at Bloomsburg where he won a PSAC title.

Patrick Murphy, Easton (2008-2009):
College: Queens College (lacrosse)

Second Team AP All State pick in 2009 after setting a school record with 155 tackles, including 12 behind the line of scrimmage and three sacks. Captain of a defense that yielded just 9.4 points per game in 2009 and fueled a D11 title. Recorded 21 tackles in a 2009 D11 championship game win over Parkland, including three stops of future New York Giant Andre Williams on 4th and short. Also a two year starter at guard and an All LVC pick as an offensive lineman in 2009. Played lacrosse at Division II Queens College in North Carolina where he was a Division II All American in 2014 after leading the country in turnovers caused. Also a two-time Academic All American and three time All Conference pick.

Pat Bedics, Bethlehem Catholic (1999-2001)
College: Penn State/NC State

Second Team All State pick in 2001 after recording 116 tackles and 6.5 sacks at middle linebacker. Led Becahi in tackles on 2000 Eastern Finals team as well. Big 33 pick and led team Pennsylvania in tackles in the 2002 game. Three year starter at linebacker and two-year starter at fullback. Won three consecutive D11 championships and twice played in the Eastern Final. Went 33-8 as a starter and did not lose a game to a team from the Lehigh Valley in his career. Late qualifier who enrolled at Hargrave Military Academy after Becahi. Recruited by LSU, Boston College, and South Carolina out of prep school, but committed to Joe Paterno and Penn State. Transferred after his freshman year to NC State, where he joined his brother and was coached by Lehigh Valley native Chuck Amato. Three-year starter at fullback for the Wolfpack

Ryan Grube, Northampton (1986-1988)
College: Penn State

Second Team All State pick at linebacker and Big 33 tight end. Terror at 6’4, 220 pounds with speed and athleticism, who did not start playing football until high school. Led Northampton to back-to-back wins over archrival Catasaqua for the first time in 30 years. Serious match up problem at tight end, where he set program records for catches and yards. Also a Division I basketball recruit. Committed to Penn State over Pitt, Syracuse, West Virginia, and Florida State. Went to Penn State as a linebacker, where he played as a freshman and sophomore, then moved to tight end in the spring of his redshirt sophomore years. Tore his ACL in spring practice. Returned to start at tight end for the Nittany Lions in 1993 as part of a two-tight set with Kyle Brady.
 
Defensive Backs (4)

Jarred Holley, Easton (2004-2007): 184 tackles, 21 INT; 2,102 rushing yards; 82 catches, 1,232 yards; 48 total TDs
College: Pittsburgh

Two-time First Team AP All State selection. Big 33 pick. Led the state in interceptions in 2006 with nine for a defense that gave up just 8.2 points per game and pitched a school record eight shutouts and advanced to the D11 finals. Only four-time all conference selection in East Penn/Lehigh Valley Conference history. Set school single season and career interception records. Started as a wide receiver, cornerback, kick returner, and punt returner in his first high school game against CB West to open 2004 and did not come out of the lineup for four years. Easton went 40-11 in his four years as a starter. Won a D11 title in 2004, keying a defense that gave up 101 points in 14 games and tied a school record with 13 wins. Graduated Easton’s all time leader in receiving yards, catches, and touchdown catches as well. Signed with Pittsburgh, also offered by Florida, Stanford, Virginia, Michigan, and Iowa. Four year starter at safety for the Panthers. Was a two-time All Big East selection and team captain.

Andrew Lee, Liberty (2003-2005): 16 INTs
College: Towson

First Team AP All State pick and Big 33 selection in 2005 at defensive back. First Liberty player selected for the Big 33 since 1975. Recorded 76 tackles and seven interceptions, blocked seven kicks, tallied over 1,000 all purpose yards on offense and scored 17 touchdowns as Liberty advanced to their first ever state championship game. Made 9 tackles, had an interception, and blocked an extra point in the Eastern Final win over North Penn. Led Liberty in rushing in 2004 on their way to a 10-2 season and a D11 Finals berth. Picked off 5 passes as a junior. Also was a two time state finalist in the pole vault, finishing fifth as a senior. Committed to Towson over Delaware, Lehigh, Villanova, and New Hampshire. Played two seasons for the Tigers.

Jeff Staton, Easton (1987-1989)
College: Temple

Second Team All State pick as a defensive back in 1989 after being named Second Team All State as a running back in 1988. Big 33 selection. Set an Easton single season record with 1,382 yards and 23 TDs in 1988. Three year starter as a cornerback and started two years in the backfield. Key member of defenses that yielded less than ten points per game in 1987 and 1988 and made back-to-back D11 finals appearances. Knee injury limited him offensively as a senior. Committed to Temple to play running back over West Virginia, and Pitt, who all recruited him as a defensive back. Initially had offers form Florida State, Syracuse, Virginia Tech, and NC State, who backed off after his knee injury. Saw time at running back as a true freshman, then was converted to the defensive side of the ball by the Owls. Started 11 games as a sophomore at safety, then suffered a career ending knee injury in spring practice.

Kyshoen Jarrett, East Stroudsburg South (2008-2010): 124 tackles, 10 INT; 1,623 rushing yards, 17 TDs
College: Virginia Tech
NFL: Washington Redskins

MVC Player of the Year and Big 33 selection as a senior. SuperPrep All American in 2010. Led East Stroudsburg South to an 11-2 record in 2009, an upset win over defending state champion Liberty, and a spot in the D11 semifinals. Rushed for 1,027 yards and 11 TDs as a senior, averaging 10.6 yards per carry. Averaged 11.2 yards per carry as a junior. Chose Virginia Tech over Pitt, Penn State, Stanford, Michigan State, Maryland, and Wisconsin. At Virginia Tech, three year starter at safety, leading the Hokies in tackles twice and was a two-time All ACC selection. Drafted in the sixth round of the NFL Draft by the Washington Redskins. Made 58 tackles as a rookie, a neck injury will keep him out of next week’s playoff game.

Offensive Athlete (2)

Shane Simpson, Easton (2011-2014): 4,514 rushing yards, 61 rushing TDs; 115 catches, 1,587 receiving yards, 15 TD catches; 85 total TDs
College: Towson

First Team AP All State pick in 2014 after rushing for 2,124 yards and scoring 41 TDs as Easton set a program record for points per game and won 12 straight games on their way to the D11 finals. Also a Big 33 pick. Played in three D11 championship games in his four years as a starter. Easton’s all time leader in receptions, receiving yards, rushing touchdowns, total touchdowns, and single season rushing yards. Second in career rushing yards to Juan Gaddy. Three time 1,000 yard rusher and recorded the only 2,000 yard season in school history. Started at wide receiver as a freshman, and set a D11 freshman record with 679 receiving yards before being moved to tailback as a sophomore. Three year starter at cornerback. Also a state finalist in the 100 meter dash. Chose Towson over Akron, James Madison, Old Dominion, and Richmond. Averaged 7.7 yards per carry as a true freshman for the Tigers until a season ending injury in week 6.

Eddie Scipio, Bethlehem Catholic (1999-2001): 2,278 yards, 39 TDs; 61 catches, 902 yards, 13 TDs (missing 1999 stats) 66 total TDs
College: Allen Hancock Junior College (Calif.)

Third Team All State pick in 2001. Electric athlete with the ball in his hands. Started for three straight D11 championship teams at Becahi and played in the Eastern Finals in 1999 and 2000. In 2001, caught 40 passes for 695 yards and 9 TDs and rushed for 976 yards and 16 TDs, despite missing the first three games of the season with a hamstring injury. Ran for 1,302 yards as a junior. Ran for 248 yards and five touchdowns as a junior against Cumberland Valley in the state playoffs. Also a star defensive back and kick returner, a state finalist in the 100 and 200 meter dashes, and standout basketball player. After returning seven kicks for touchdowns, averaging over 40 yards per kick return, intercepting nine passes, and being named a First Team Junior College All American in 2003, committed to BYU over Kansas State, Washington, Michigan State, Oregon, and Arizona State. However, never played a down of college football after his record setting JC season.

Defensive Athletes (2)

Greg DeLong, Parkland (1988-1990)
College: North Carolina
NFL: Minnesota Vikings, Baltimore Ravens, Jacksonville Jaguars

USA Today All American pick in 1990 despite Parkland going just 3-8. First Team All State selection in 1990 on the defensive line. Three year starter at tight end, defensive end, kick returner, kicker, and punter. Made 70 solo tackles and recorded 13 sacks as a senior, also caught 22 passes and returned a kickoff for a touchdown. Also was a state finalist in the discus and shot put, and ran the 100 meter dash. Offered scholarships by Penn State, Florida State, Notre Dame, Tennessee, and North Carolina. After Parkland, was a four year stater at tight end for Mack Brown at UNC. Played six seasons in the NFL, and was a starting tight end on the 15-1 Minnesota Vikings in 1998 that set an NFL record for points.

Anthony Gonzalez, Liberty (2007-2009): 173 tackles, 6 INT; 3,567 rushing yards, 37 TDs; 3,860 passing yards, 42 TDs
College: Pittsburgh

Pennsylvania 4A AP Player of the Year in 2008 as a junior for the state champion Hurricanes. Three year starter at quarterback and two-year starter in the defensive backfield. Named First Team All State in 2009 at safety, despite missing four games in an injury plagued year. In 2008, threw for 1,570 yards and 14 TDs, rushed for 1,697 yards and 24 TDs, made 96 tackles, and picked off four passes, including the game clinching interception in overtime of the state championship game. Rushed for 208 yards in the state final against Bethel Park, a finals record for quarterbacks. Chose Pitt over Florida State and Oregon. Played four different positions (quarterback, safety, tight end, outside linebacker) before settling in at linebacker, where he was a three year starter. Led Pitt in tackles twice and was an All ACC pick as a senior.

Kicker
Jake Bissell, Parkland (2013-2014)
College: Lafayette

Big 33 kicking specialist in 2015 where he hit a 50 yard punt and had a 42 yard punt downed at the 1. Two-time all conference kicking specialist for the Trojans. Went 100-109 in his career on extra points and kicked 12 career field goals. Won two consecutive D11 championship games. Kicked a 40 yard field goal in regulation and the game winning field goal in overtime of the 2014 D11 championship game. Set Parkland’s single season record with 8 field goals, and a long of 43 yards. Boomed 45 touchbacks in 2014. Signed with Lafayette, where he started as a true freshman, hit five field goals from 40+, and was named Second Team All Patriot League.

Punter
Ryan Bleiler, Parkland (1995-1997)
College: Delaware

Third Team All State selection in 1997 as a kicking specialist. Averaged 40.5 yards per punt as a senior in 1997 and had 5 kicks downed inside the 20. Also blasted 32 kickoffs into the end zone for touchbacks in 1997 and had a long of 42 yards on field goals. Committed to Delaware over Hofstra, Lehigh, Wake Forest, and Rutgers. At Delaware, two year starter and all A-10 punter for the Blue Hens. Averaged over 40 yards per punt for his career.
 
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Ok Rov....real good effort here and with the state quads. And a fun trip down memory lane. Keep this up and we'll have to start calling you Mr. Rover.
 
I was at that eastern final in '99 at Lehigh between BeCaHi and CB-West. As stated many times over the years, easily the best atmosphere I've ever seen for a high school game in PA. Among those 19 tackles from Mike Gregorek, two were stuffing All-American fullback Dustin Picciotti on 4th and short. Wasn't sure if CBW could recover from the huge momentum shifts of those two plays. Fortunate for West Dave Camburn saved the day on that punt return for a TD that broke Beca's back in the 4th quarter.

Yes Rover, that game was a classic for many reasons. Thanks for your efforts.
 
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