2021 Sun-Gazette football all-star team | News, Sports, Jobs

SUN-GAZETTE FILE PHOTO
Montgomery’s Coltin Han was named to the Sun-Gazette football all-star team as a first-team wide receiver.

OFFENSE

Tyler Gee, Loyalsock (QB)

It is not a stretch saying Gee produced one of the best passing seasons in area history. A first-time starter, Gee compiled one of the best quarterback ratings ever and currently is the highest-rated area passer of the 2000s. Despite missing two games, Gee threw for 2,017 yards and 22 touchdowns while being intercepted just twice. Gee completed a 2000s-high 69.5% of his passes and did not throw an interception in any of his last seven games, a span stretching 119 passes. A mobile threat who ran for six touchdowns, Gee returned from a midseason injury and threw touchdowns in each of his last nine games, going over 200 yards in both playoff contests and six times overall. Gee threw for 290 yards against 10-win Mount Carmel and 268 against District 4 Class AAA champion Danville. Gee is one of three Loyalsock quarterbacks to go over 2,000 yards.

Lane Lusk, South Williamsport (RB)

An outstanding linebacker who led South in tackles, Lusk also led all area rushers with 1,488 yards, producing those yards over 11 games. Lusk’s 135-yard per game average also was tops among area rushers and he ran with fury, often bouncing off defenders or dragging them for extra yards. Able to play either back position, Lusk averaged seven yards per carry, topped 100 yards six times and went over 200 yards twice, producing 245 yards and four touchdowns against Montgomery. Lusk ran for 220 yards against Muncy’s stout defense and also was an excellent blocker who helped teammate Clayton Swarthout run for 1,025 yards. Lusk helped South won six of its last eight games and win a playoff game for a second straight year.

Rocco Pulizzi, Montoursville (RB)

Only injuries prevented Pulizzi from becoming Montoursville’s all-time leading rusher, but despite those costing him 8 1/2 games the past two seasons, he still put together a brilliant scholastic career. Limited to 8 1/2 games, Pulizzi topped 1,000 yards for a third straight time, finishing with 1,185 yards and 18 touchdowns while averaging 132 yards per game. Pulizzi’s 18 touchdowns were tops during the regular season and he set Montoursville’s rushing touchdowns record with 50. Pulizzi produced 10 straight 100-yard games between 2020 and 2021, and went over 200 yards twice this season. He also ran for more yards than any other player (157) against 4A state semifinalist Jersey Shore. Pulizzi is No. 2 on Montoursville’s decorated career rushing list with 3,809 yards and also returned two kickoffs 90 and 96 yards for touchdowns.

Riley Parker, Canton (RB)

The Sun-Gazette’s Back of the Year and second runner-up for Player of the Year, dazzled despite rarely playing much in the second half since Canton repeatedly blew out teams during the regular season. Parker finished with 1,411 yards and an area-high 24 touchdowns, helping Canton win its first District 4 Class A title since 1990. The junior scored in all 14 games and his 24 touchdowns are by far the most by a Canton player in the 2000s. Fast and tough, Parker ran around and over defenders, averaging 7.8 yards per carry while also catching two touchdowns, returning a punt for a score and returning an interception for a touchdown. Parker was outstanding throughout the postseason and ran for 133 yards against state champion Bishop Guilfoyle, 138 yards against defending state champion Steelton-Highspire and scored seven touchdowns in three state tournament games.

Austin Johnson, Muncy (FB)

What an impact Johnson made as he burst onto the scholastic scene and helped Muncy capture the NTL-II championship. Combining powerful strength and speed, Johnson ran for a freshman record 1,179 yards and was the first freshman to ever reach 16 touchdowns, although Milton’s Chris Doyle eventually reached 18. Johnson missed 1 1/2 games late in the season but helped Muncy go 10-2, win 10 straight games and reach a fourth consecutive final. He topped 100 yards five times and was a super blocker who played a vital role in Ty Nixon running for 990 yards. Johnson averaged 7.3 yards per carry and opened his high school career with a 155-yard performance against Class AA state semifinalist Northern Lehigh.

Coltin Hans, Montgomery (WR)

No receiver in Montgomery history has had a season quite like Hans. The senior shattered the program record for yards, becoming the first to top 1,000 yards and finishing with 1,038. Playing 11 games, Hans led District in catches with 72, a total that is the fourth-highest among area receivers during the 2000s. He also was the only area player to reach 1,000 yards during the regular season. Hans was a force at times, helping Montgomery come within a play of reaching the district final, catching six passes seven times. He also had the most yards in a game by an area receiver (214) and tied for the most catches (12). Hans is ninth among area receivers in the 2000s with 108 catches and he will graduate with 1,470 yards and 13 touchdowns.

Cayden Hess, Jersey Shore (WR)

People can debate who is the greatest area receiver of all-time, but Hess has all the numbers to make his claim. And it’s hard to argue against. Hess took a blow torch to the area record book, smashing the records for catches, yards and touchdowns. Likely soon to be a three-time all-stater, Hess finished with a record 198 catches for 2,837 yards and 30 touchdowns. Hess caught 64 more passes than No. 2 on the career list and had 639 yards than second-best. He became the only area player to top 50 catches in three straight years and also go over 900 yards three straight seasons. Despite teams game planning to slow him, Hess caught 55 passes for a career-high 1,000 yards, averaging 18.2 yards per catch and scoring 10 touchdowns. A tremendous leader, Hess also intercepted six passes for a second consecutive season and again was at his best throughout the playoffs, making a series of timely catches as Jersey Shore finished 14-1 and reached a third straight state Final Four.

Rian Glunk, Loyalsock (WR)

It takes a lot to edge Hans and Hess as Sun-Gazette Receiver of the Year and Glunk sure did a lot. The junior receiver became a force, catching 60 passes for a Loyalsock record 1,135 yards. Glunk became just the seventh area player in the 2000s to reach 1,100 yards and his 13 touchdowns in 12 games led District 4. The Division I recruit went over 90 yards six times and 100 yards four times, averaging 94.6 yards per game. Glunk went over 120 yards in both playoff games and over 100 yards in both games against District 4 Class AAA champion Danville, catching three touchdowns in a 26-21 regular-season win. Glunk also scored against five-time defending state champion Southern Columbia and produced 13 catches for 269 yards in two postseason games. Glunk’s 60 catches are the second-highest by a Loyalsock receiver in the 2000s and he has 1,303 yards since moving from quarterback.

Brendan Clark, Loyalsock (TE)

An excellent blocker, Clark also was extremely effective at working the middle of the field. Clark served as Gee’s security blanket and many of his catches came on third down, extending scoring drives. The senior leader led area tight ends with 20 catches, producing 282 yards and a touchdown. Clark averaged 14.1 yards per catch, helped ignite the running game with his blocking and produced multiple catches in a game seven times.

Hunter Hanna, Montoursville (OL)

Hanna’s line position was best described as everywhere again this past season. For a second straight year, the versatile senior played every line position at some point, helping a unit with four new starters pave the way for a 1,000-yard passer and 1,000-yard rusher. Smart and strong, Hanna anchored the unit and played a huge role in helping Montoursville reach a fourth straight district final. During his three years starting, Hanna helped Montoursville finish among area leaders in points as well as playing a key role for a district champion and two league champions.

Lucas Long, South Williamsport (OL)

South started all underclassmen up front and Long served as an experienced anchor that unit could build around. The junior lineman ignited a line which grew more powerful as the season continued and kept South’s tremendous line tradition going strong. A punishing blocker, Long helped Lusk and Clayton Swarthout top 1,000 yards, making it 10 straight years in which South has produced a 1,000-yard rusher. South averaged 284 rushing yards per game and Long helped it often run at will as it won six of its last eight games.

Zach Rooney, Jersey Shore (OL)

Also a standout defensive lineman, Rooney was part of a line which featured all new starters but which again cleared the way for the area’s most explosive offense. Powerful and quick, Rooney and his fellow linemen surged as the season continued and helped Jersey Shore averaged nearly 40 points and 400 yards per game. Despite playing both ways and in a no-huddle offense which operates faster than a cheetah, Rooney never tired and often grew stronger as the game progressed. He played a vital role in Jersey Shore featuring a 2,000-yard passer, two 1,000-yard rushers and a 1,000-yard receiver.

Dade Splain, Williamsport (OL)

Splain’s value was driven home when he missed three midseason games with an injury. The Millionaires lost all three games and the offense sputtered. Splain’s return helped Williamsport rally to reach the District 2-6 Class 6A championship for a second straight year. The Millionaires scored 40 points in Splain’s first game back and he strengthened a line which overpowered Altoona in the district semifinals. He also boosted the defense up front as Williamsport limited each of its last five opponents to 17 points or fewer.

Caiden Williams, Canton (OL)

Another outstanding two-way starter, Williams earns the Sun-Gazette Offensive Lineman of the Year honor after being the glue which held one of the state’s most devastating lines together. The three-year starter was violent at the point of attack, often drove defenders straight back and helped spark a fabulous running game. Canton’s line often overwhelmed opponents up front as the Warriors averaged more than 40 points and nearly 300 rushing yards per game. Williams also shined at defensive end, collecting six sacks while helping Canton allow 8.6 points per game.

Breck Miller, Jersey Shore (K)

Miller never kicked before this season. And then he went and produced the best District 4 kicking season ever. Talk about an amazing debut. Miller shattered area records with 15 field goals and 109 points. The junior bested the previous single-season field goal record by five and the points record by 29. His 109 points just this season rank him 11th on the career kicking points list during the 2000s. Miller was a weapon, almost assuring Jersey Shore points whenever it reached the red zone. He kicked four field goals during the state tournament and in 12 of 15 games. Miller drilled multiple field goals in a game six times, connected on a long of 43 and boomed his kickoffs.

DEFENSE

Isaac Harris, Muncy (DL)

The only challenge the committee faced with Harris was deciding whether to put him on the offensive or defensive line because he was terrific each way. A three-year starter on both sides of the ball, Harris again was the centerpiece of an excellent offensive line which helped Muncy feature one of the district’s best running games. Conversely, Harris could take games over defensively, closing off running lanes and pressuring the quarterback. A three-time district champion, Harris made 97 tackles, an area-high for a lineman, including 26 in two playoff contests. The senior captain topped 10 tackles four times, produced four sacks as well and helped Muncy hold nine teams to fewer than 20 points.

Tate Sechrist, Jersey Shore (DL)

Like it offensive counterpart, Jersey Shore’s defensive line was young and featured mostly new starters. Sechrist was a big reason that line became such a force with all five making big impacts. Sechrist flourished in his first season starting and the sophomore developed into an all-state candidate, making 79 tackles while averaging 5.3 per game. Sechrist piled up an area-best 8 1/2 sacks and frequently was in the quarterback’s face, adding 65 hurries. The sophomore was at his best in the playoffs and had four tackles for loss, 2 1/2 sacks and a 75-yard fumble return for a touchdown in three state tournament games. He also had four tackles for loss against District 4 Class AAA champion Danville.

Kade Sottolano, Cowanesque Valley (DL)

Another player who was considered for first team on both sides of the ball, Sottolano played a critical role in one of the best turnarounds in recent area history. Big and strong, Sottolano often overwhelmed opponents at the point of attack, making 60 tackles and averaging 6.0 per game. He also made a team-high seven tackles for loss, produced six sacks and had four games with multiple tackles for loss. Sottolano also opened big holes offensively and helped CV have its best offensive season of the 2000s as the Indians enjoyed their best season since 1979, going 6-4 after having not won more than three games in a season during the 2000s.

Owen Ordonez, Lewisburg (DL)

Teams often doubled and tripled teamed Ordonez but still could not stop him and that helped him earn the Sun-Gazette Defensive Lineman of the Year honor. Ordonez was a beast coming off the edge and the Lafayette-bound senior repeatedly disrupted opponents’ game plans. Ordonez made 81 tackles, averaging 8.1 per game, second-highest among area linemen. He also made 17 tackles for loss and added seven sacks in 10 games while helping Lewisburg rally from an 0-3 start to win five of its next seven games and reach districts. Ordonez made things happen at key times and forced four fumbles while recovering two more. The captain also was an outstanding tight end, leading the area with 385 yards and four touchdowns, scoring all four from outside 40 yards.

Karter Peacock, Jersey Shore (LB)

After excelling along the defensive line the previous seasons, Peacock moved to linebacker and quick developed into one of the state’s premier playmakers. Peacock formed a devastating tandem alongside Haydn Packer and helped make Jersey Shore’s 5-2 defense hum. Peacock made a team-high 131 tackles and was as effective dropping into coverage as he was attacking the quarterback. The four-year starter made 16 tackles for loss, produced 4 1/2 sacks and added 50 quarterback hurries, as well as an interception. Jersey Shore’s defense went to another level as Peacock settled in and he was dominant throughout the state tournament, making 44 tackles in three games. Six of those tackles went for loss and he made at least 11 tackles in all three state games.

Weston Pick, Montgomery (LB)

Like Hans, Pick achieved things no other Montgomery player ever has. The junior linebacker seemingly was everywhere all the time and set a single-season program record with 174 tackles. Pick led District 4 in tackles and also averaged a district-high 15.8 tackles per game. Built like a lineman but able to go sideline to sideline as well as anyone around, Pick made at least 12 tackles in all 11 games, produced an area-high 20 tackles for loss and added two sacks, three fumble recoveries and a forced fumble. Pick set a program regular-season tackle record as well and helped the defense excel, especially late in the season when the starting unit allowed just 40 points over the last three games.

Hayden Ward, Canton (LB)

Few Class A linebackers through Pennsylvania were as effective as Ward who built off a big breakout sophomore season and grew into a game-wrecker. The junior did it all defensively, excelling against the run, totaling six sacks and returning an interception for a touchdown. Ward topped 100 tackles despite missing the preseason and the opener with an injury and made a team-high 18 tackles for loss. Ward made at least 12 tackles in all three state tournament games and went into beast mode in a dramatic comeback quarterfinal win against Old Forge, blocking two punts, making three tackles for loss and adding a sack. Ward also scored the game-winning touchdown and ran for 598 yards and 11 touchdowns.

Haydn Packer, Jersey Shore (LB)

A year after earning all-state honors, Packer elevated his performance even higher and became the Sun-Gazette Linebacker of the Year by playing the game about as well as a high school linebacker can. Whatever Jersey Shore needed Packer could provide and he was potent in all areas. A superb tackler, Packer produced 121 tackles, 82 solos and 19 tackles for loss. He was strong in coverage, intercepting a pass and fantastic against the run, while adding five sacks and 28 quarterback hurries. Packer intercepted a pass, forced two fumbles, recovered three more and made 39 tackles in three state tournament games. Selected a captain as a junior, Packer set an example through his work ethic and was an elite rusher as well, running for 1,237 yards and 20 touchdowns.

DJ Greene, Williamsport (CB)

One will not read about gaudy stats that Greene provided here. But there’s a really good reason for that: Nearly everyone Williamsport played avoided throwing Greene’s way. The senior became a true shutdown cornerback and basically erased one side of the field with his stellar coverage. Greene often was given the Deion Sanders treatment as opponents simply ignored him rather than rolling the dice against him. It was the ultimate compliment and highlighted what Greene meant to a defense which was among the area’s best in both yards and points allowed per game. He also was a valuable wide receiver who caught 25 passes for 437 yards and three touchdowns.

Ryan Pentz,

Central Mountain (CB)

Opponents often felt Pentz’s wrath as well when looking his way. The senior cornerback helped anchor Central Mountain’s defense as the Wildcats returned to the District 6 Class 5A final and earned their first winning season since 2009. Central Mountain could put Pentz on the opponent’s top receiver each week and feel confident that he would neutralize him. Pentz intercepted two passes and broke up nine more while also forcing a fumble and adding two tackles for loss. He as a jack of all trades, too. Pentz ran for a team-high 744 yards, caught 24 passes and four scores and returned a kickoff 90 yards for a touchdown.

Landon Lorson, South Williamsport (S)

A four-year starting quarterback, Lorson quarterbacked the secondary as well and essentially served as another coach on the field. One of the area’s surest tacklers, Lorson was outstanding against both the run and in coverage. He prevented big plays and was a cornerback’s best friend. Lorson topped 50 tackles for a second straight year and also intercepted a team-high three passes. Lorson was a fantastic leader who broke five passes and recovered a fumble. The senior safety has six interceptions the past two seasons, broke up five passes this year and added a fumble recovery, helping South win a playoff game for a second straight year.

Ross Eyer, Muncy (S)

Make it two straight years that Eyer has earned the Sun-Gazette Defensive Back of the Year honor. The dynamic junior safety topped his breakout sophomore campaign and led the area interceptions again, picking off eight passes. Eyer has 14 interceptions over the past two season, including four games with two picks each. Smart and fast, Eyer covers ample ground and can turn what look like sure completions into breakups or interceptions. He also made 48 tackles and came up big in a District 4 Class A semifinal win against Montgomery with a red zone interception. Eyer has five interceptions in his last four playoff games and also is a dangerous wide receiver who has caught 61 passes for 1,578 yards and 21 touchdowns the past three years.

Kooper Peacock, Jersey Shore (P)

Peacock does just about everything else on the field so he might as well punt, too. And punt Peacock did well, averaging 38.4 yards on 57 punts. Peacock boomed a long of 65 yards, had five punts go more than 50 yards and placed an area-high 15 inside the 20-yard line. A junior captain, Peacock basically never left the field, totaling 614 yards and eight touchdowns on offense, while making 73 tackles at safety. Peacock also collected adding two sacks and two interceptions, returning one for a touchdown, while averaging 14.2 yards on punt returns.

Brady Jordan, Jersey Shore (ATHLETE)

Like Peacock, one could best label Jordan’s position as “everywhere.” Jordan became a weapon in all facets and excelled as a first-time starting quarterback. The junior signal caller joined Tanner Lorson as the only players in area history to top both 2,000 yards passing and 1,000 yards rushing in the same season, totaling 3,126 yards and 33 touchdowns. Jordan threw 20 touchdowns, ran for 13 scores and excelled at safety where he made 74 tackles. Jordan was a defensive playmaker, intercepting five passes, returning one for a touchdown in the district championship, as well as recovering three fumbles and forcing a fumble. Oh yeah, he also was an effective kick returner, helping the Bulldogs go 14-1.

Weston Bellows, Canton (KR/PR)

Peacock and Jordan can vie for Jersey Shore’s Mr. Everything title, but Bellows is Canton’s hands down winner. Bellows gives this all-star team and explosive returner as well as the luxury of putting him literally nearly anywhere else he would be needed. Bellows returned two punts for touchdowns, giving the special teams a jolt and also played running back, wide receiver, tight end, safety and linebacker. The versatile junior totaled 1,193 yards offensively with 10 touchdowns, averaged 32.7 yards per catch and intercepted a team-high four passes. Bellows made big plays in all three playoff wins and intercepted three passes against 2020 state champion Steel-High and previously undefeated Old Forge.

Player of the Year: Rian Glunk, Loyalsock

Runner-up: Haydn Packer, Jersey Shore

Coaches of the Year: Tom Gravish, Jersey Shore and Tyler Sechrist, Canton

Runner-up: Mike Schmitt, Cowanesque Valley

SECOND TEAM

Offense

QB–Logan Almeida, Montgomery; Brett Gerlach, Central Mountain; RB–Davion Hill, Loyalsock; Chris Doyle, Milton; Tim Freeman, Cowanesque Valley; FB–Clayton Swarthout, South; WR–Jamaire Harden, Williamsport; Connor Foltz, Central Mountain; Derek Thomas, Warrior Run; TE–Jake Casella, South Williamsport; OL–Connor Davis, Canton; Xander Brown, Muncy; Austin Bowersox, South; Dierk Stetts, Jersey Shore; Brenen Taylor; K–Connor Poole, Williamsport; Athlete–Branson Eyer, Muncy; Cam Fabian, North Penn-Mansfield; Returner–Jeremiah Davis, Lewisburg

Defense

DL–Connor Davis, Jersey Shore; Ryan Sweet, Wellsboro; Nariq Burks, Williamsport; David Boring, Loyalsock; Thayden Miller, Montgomery; LB–Bailey Hadzinikolov, Muncy; Gaven Sexauer, North Penn-Mansfield; Mike Sipps, Cowanesque Valley; Riley Bower, Williamsport; Micah Walizer, Central Mountain, Mason Hoppes, Hughesville; DB–Tanyan Brown, Cowanesque Valley; Ethan Dominick, Lewisburg; Roman Morrone, Williamsport; Joey Swink, Hughesville; P–Maddix Dalena, Montoursville, Tyler Weaver, Central Mountain

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