All Schools 6A-1A:
Riley Robell, jr., DT, Bishop McDevitt — In conditions that gave all the advantages to defense, Robell stood the tallest. The big man in the middle of the Crusaders’ impressive defense had a banner day in their 7-0 win over Lampeter-Strasburg for the District 3 Class 4A gold. In ending L-S’s streak of two straight titles, Robell recovered two fumbles — one in the second quarter and another late in the game — had three of McDevitt’s five sacks and tallied two tackles for loss. One of those sacks helped stall the Pioneers’ final drive in the closing minutes.
Marquese Williams, jr., RB, Bishop McDevitt — Someone had to score to win this game, and that someone was Williams. The ___ burst forth for a 30-yard TD with 1:05 left in the first half to give the Crusaders a 7-0 lead over Lampeter-Strasburg, and that was all that was needed. Williams finished with 21 carries for 124 yards on a night when McD’s vaunted aerial game was grounded due to strong, cold winds.
Kajetan Kaszubowski, jr., K, State College — We are unabashedly ashamed here, at 4th Down Magazine headquarters, of being excited about a kicking nomination. Kaszubowski drilled three field goals in the Little Lions’ 16-13 PIAA Class 6A quarterfinal victory over Harrisburg on Saturday, including the game-winning 34-yarder with 3 seconds left. He nailed a 33-yarder in the third quarter, then tied the game with a 37-yarder with 4:55 left to play. He also had a fourth-quarter PAT.
Brady Bendik, sr., RB, State College — Bendik was one of the few offensive bright spots on a tough day for anyone on offense. He ran for 132 yards and a fourth-quarter 4-yard run that sparked the Little Lions’ comeback win over Harrisburg. He finished with 34 carries, easily the most in the game, and caught two passes for 24 yards. His TD came with 8:58 left to play and drew SC to within 13-10.
Justin Cook, sr., WR/DB, Harrisburg — A nomination for a season of dominance, Cook picked off his 11th pass of the season, tying a Harrisburg program record for the most in a season. It was one of three interceptions of State College passes in the Cougars’ loss and came with the ‘Burg up 13-3 midway through the third quarter. He also had a 4-yard reception and had two carries for 0 yards.
