|
LOCK HAVEN – Kane junior Ross Nicholson is the Pennsylvania Football News’ Class
A Defensive Player of the Year.
Nicholson, who was the CHAMP D9Sports.com Co-District 9 Defensive Player of the Year
with Karns City’s Cameron Turner, a Class AA player, ranked ninth in District 9 in tacklers per game
(9.7) and second in sacks (14 ½) while adding one interception, four fumble recoveries and two fumbles
caused. His top game came in the PIAA semifinals when he made 20 tackles and had two sacks while forcing
a fumble and recovering a fumble in the Wolves loss to Serra Catholic.
Behind Nicholson, Kane’s defense ranked second in District 9 in points allowed
(10.5), and the Wolves went 14-1 winning the AML South, AML and District 9 Class A titles.
Nicholson, who was also a first-team PFN All-State linebacker, was joined on the PFN
Class A All-State team by six teammates.
Senior tight end John Bizzak was a first-team selection, while offensive lineman
Steve Mix and quarterback Zach Anderson were second-team choices on offense. On defense, defensive back
D.J. Horton was a second-team choice, while linebackers Matt Mix and Corey Smith were third-team
selections.
The seven Kane players are joined by three Cameron County players and one player
each from Ridgway, Port Allegany and Redbank Valley to give District 9 13 PFN Class A All-State
performers.
The Cameron County players are defensive back Charlie Holjencin (2nd
team) and defensive linemen Shawn Ellenberger (2nd team) and Marcus Mullens (3rd
team).
Ridgway offensive lineman Shane Lindgren (3rd team), Port Allegany
offensive lineman Josh Saltsman (3rd team) and Redbank Valley quarterback Jake Smith (3rd
team) round out the District 9 representation on the PFN Class A team.
In Class AA, Karns City’s Turner is a first-team selection at defensive lineman,
while the Gremlins Anthony Stimac is a second-team choice at defensive back. Brookville’s Justin Smith
(3rd team defensive lineman) gives District 9 three PFN All-State performers in Class AA.
Five District 9 Class AAA players are also PFN All-State players.
Bradford’s Steven Reinhardt is a second-team offensive lineman selection, while
teammate Cody Nuzzo is a third-team place kicker pick. Clearfield’s Jarrin Campman is a second-team
choice at defensive back, while the Bisons Drew Hipps is a third-team selection at wide receiver. St.
Marys’ Jeremy Williams rounds out the District 9 PFN All-State contingent as a second-team linebacker.
|
