Ronald Burnette, jr., RB, Steel-High: If not for Burnette’s second half, the Rollers would not be scheduling practice time next week. The junior ripped off three unanswered touchdowns (24, 1 and 10 yards) after Steel-High fell behind 21-7 in the third quarter to claim a 28-21 PIAA Class 1A semifinal victory over Canton. Burnette finished with 20 carries for 112 yards and added three receptions for 17 more.
Jaeion Perry, jr., WR, Steel-High: QB Alex Erby hit Perry on nearly a third of his passing attempts, and Perry delivered, finishing with 10 receptions for 103 yards and a 16-yard first-quarter touchdown. Perry also added an 11-yard run in the state semifinal victory.
Marquese Williams, sr., RB, Bishop McDevitt: The Crusaders cruised to a 35-0 win over Crestwood in the PIAA Class 4A semifinals, and Williams finished with 17 carries for 143 well-earned yards. Williams, who also had two receptions for 7 yards, scored in the second quarter from 15 yards out.
Rico Scott, jr., WR/KR, Bishop McDevitt: It was Scott who kicked things off for McD and Scott who iced the state semifinal victory. The junior caught an early 30-yard TD pass from Stone Saunders, then ripped off an 85-yard kick return TD in the third quarter to make it 27-0 Crusaders. Scott, who also caught a two-point conversion later, finished with nine receptions for 83 yards and a 26-yard carry.
Messiah Mickens, fr., RB, Trinity: The Shamrocks’ storybook season ended at the hands of juggernaut Southern Columbia, 42-7, in the PIAA Class 2A semifinals. But Mickens showed he’s going to be a nightmare for years, accounting for nearly all of Trinity’s offense by rushing 14 times for 102 yards and a 7-yard score late. He also grabbed the only three Trinity receptions for 14 yards.
Kyle Williams Jr., sr., RB, Harrisburg: On numbers alone, Williams had the weekend’s best performance, shredding division rival State College 28 times for 263 yards and four scores. Williams scored on runs of 33, 1, 49 and 1 yard, adding a two-point conversion, to turn a 7-0 hole into a 27-7 PIAA Class 6A semifinal victory.
