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Sun-Gazette football all-star team

MARK NANCE/Sun-Gazette Branden Wheary led Jersey Shore to the PIAA Class AAAA championship game and threw for 2,021 yards and 24 touchdowns.

FIRST-TEAM OFFENSE

Branden Wheary, Jersey Shore, QB

The first-time starter kept grinding the past few seasons when he was stuck behind 2019 Class AAAA Player of the Year Tanner Lorson and that hard work paid huge dividends last fall. Wheary was sensational, putting together one of the best seasons in program history while throwing for 2,021 yards and 24 touchdowns in 11 games. Wheary threw just two interceptions in 265 attempts, shined during Jersey Shore’s state championship run and threw at least one touchdown pass for more than 100 yards in all 11 games. Wheary went six straight games without throwing an interception and threw for 262 yards and three touchdowns in the comeback state semifinal win at Lampeter-Strasburg.

Cam Allison, Jersey Shore, RB

A senior workhorse who also played well at safety, Allison brought some thunder to a lightning-quick offense. A first-time starter in the backfield, Allison ran for 1,062 yards and nine touchdowns, averaging 5.7 yards per carry. An elusive runner who never went down easy, Allison topped 100 yards in six of 11 games, including three times in the playoffs. He ran for 144 yards and two touchdowns in the Lampeter-Strasburg game and also scored twice in a state quarterfinal win at Crestwood. Allison averaged 96.5 yards per game and his tough running provided balance for the area’s top-ranked offense.

Zack Miller, South Williamsport, RB

It seemed like a long shot that someone would extend South’s run of 1,000-yard rushers, but Miller ran through that challenge like he did so many defenders. Miller made it nine straight seasons South has produced a 1,000-yard rusher, doing so in just seven games. Fast and tough, Miller piled up 1,111 yards and 15 touchdowns against defenses stacked to slow him. He averaged 8.7 yards per carry and 158.7 yards per game. Miller went over 200 yards twice, 170 yards three times and was virtually unstoppable in a District 4 Class AA semifinal win at Troy. Facing a defense which had allowed 10 combined points the three previous weeks, Miller ran for 262 yards and four touchdowns, helping South reach its fifth district final in nine years.

Rocco Pulizzi, Montoursville, RB

Despite playing just half a season, the Sun-Gazette Back of the Year put together a run of spectacular performances and needed just five games to reach 1,000 yards. Before breaking his collar bone on his first carry against Loyalsock, Pulizzi was the state’s leading rusher and produced 1,040 yards and 12 touchdowns. Pulizzi also led District 4 in touchdowns when he was injured and averaged a whopping 11.8 yards per carry. Possessing a potent blend of speed and strength, Pulizzi went over 100 yards in every game, 200 yards three times and needed just nine carries to gouge District 4 Class AAAA semifinalist Mifflinburg for 301 yards and four touchdowns. Pulizzi also ran for 230 yards against Class AAA state semifinalist Danville and topped 1,000 yards for a second straight season.

CJ Signor, Montoursville, FB

This senior fullback often was providing some excellent lead blocks on those long Pulizzi runs before moving to center for a few weeks and doing the same. Most know him as an outstanding linebacker who made 60 tackles, but Signor’s offensive contributions were huge for a team which went 8-1. In addition to providing fabulous blocking, Signor also ran for seven touchdowns and caught nine passes as well as a touchdown. Signor scored 17 touchdowns the past two seasons and was a major reason Montoursville went 20-3 during that time.

Tanyan Brown, Cowanesque Valley, WR

Part of a young and exciting offense which could be poised for big things in 2021, Brown burst onto the scene with a big junior season. After showing promise in 2019, Brown developed into a consistent weapon who caught 30 passes for 472 yards and five touchdowns in seven games. Brown was second among area receivers in catches and yards after those seven games. He averaged 15.7 yards per catch and caught multiple passes in all games. Brown topped 90 yards twice and helped a team with so many new starters close the year on a two-game winning streak.

Dillon Young, Montoursville, WR

A player who also can help this all-star team as a terrific kicker and defensive back, Young will line up as a starting wide receiver. The versatile senior caught 23 passes for 499 yards and eight touchdowns, averaging 21.7 yards per catch. Young often turned short to intermediate passes into big gains and helped stretch the field. He went over 100 yards twice and produced three two-touchdown games. Young was one of the team’s most valuable players, also intercepting four passes, returning one for a touchdown as well as a fumble for a score. He also made three field goals, an area-high 52 extra points and totaled an area-best 61 points.

Cayden Hess, Jersey Shore, WR

He has started just two years and already is the area’s all-time catches leader as well as one of the best receivers in Jersey Shore history. The Sun-Gazette Receiver of the Year, Hess led District 4 in catches for a second straight year, producing 68 for 919 yards and nine touchdowns. The junior has caught 143 of his 144 catches over the last two seasons, topping 900 yards each time and reaching 20 touchdowns. Hess has a catch in 26 straight games, was stellar throughout the postseason and caught an area-high 13 passes for 162 yards and two touchdowns in the state semifinals. Hess has been at his best in the past two state tournaments and also is a lock-down cornerback who tied for an area-high six interceptions, returning one for a touchdown.

Nassir Jones, Williamsport, TE

One better believe the Sun-Gazette Player of the Year also will be lining up at defensive end for this all-star team. An all-state candidate at both positions, Jones collected 8 1/2 sacks in eight games, but was equally impressive at tight end. Athletic, fast and strong, Jones created a match-up dilemma and caught 35 passes for 488 yards and six touchdowns. Jones caught multiple passes in each game, topped 100 yards twice and averaged 13.9 yards per catch. The latest in a run of fantastic Williamsport tight ends, Jones was second among area receivers and touchdowns through eight games. He caught 89 career passes for 1,265 yards, going over 20 catches in three straight years.

Jeff Hamilton, Loyalsock, OL

A hard worker and senior leader, Hamilton set the tone for a Loyalsock offense which averaged 30.6 points and 349.2 yards per game. Strong and smart, Hamilton opened good running lanes and helped the ground game still produce despite being without 1,000-yard back Davion Hill all season. The 290-pounder likely will play at the next level and also helped along the defensive line when called upon as Loyalsock reached districts for a ninth straight season. He also helped Loyalsock top 20 points in six of its seven games.

Isaac Harris, Muncy, OL

The three-time defending District 4 Class A champions have built their tradition around strong play up front and Harris anchored this latest stout unit. A two-year starter, the 235-pound junior was instrumental in Muncy chewing up opponents with an effective ground game which featured two 700-yard rushers. When Muncy needed a key first down, it usually ran behind Harris and success often followed. Harris also helped the passing game produce more than 1,000 yards and is a good defensive lineman who averaged 5.7 tackles per game and added a sack.

Joe Lorson, Jersey Shore, OL

For as much fire power as Jersey Shore showed at the so-called skill positions, Lorson was the anchor of an excellent line which powered this whole machine. The senior guard anchored a line which helped Jersey Shore average more than 40 points and 400 yards for much of the season. The 215-pounder combined power with smarts and never wore down in Jersey Shore’s quick-strike, no-huddle offense. He helped Allison top 1,000 yards rushing, Wheary 2,000 yards passing and was one of the most valuable players for the Class AAAA Eastern Region champions.

Dade Splain, Williamsport, OL

Also a standout defensive tackle who made 17 tackles against Altoona in the district final, Splain quarterbacked an effective offensive line throughout Williamsport’s turnaround season. The 255-pound junior center played a key role in Williamsport averaging more than 30 points for most of the year and clearing the way for a variety of running backs to gain valuable yards. He also provided the kind of protection which helped quarterback Frankie Morrone top 1,000 yards in his first season starting and provides a good building block entering 2021.

Hunter Hanna, Montoursville, OL

The Sun-Gazette Lineman of the Year was a rock of consistency and played nearly every position, helping a line which was hit hard with injuries remain one of the district’s best. The junior 220-pounder played four of the five positions and played them all well as Montoursville averaged more than 50 points and 385 yards during the regular season. Hanna checks all the boxes for what coaches look for in a lineman and the lone returning starter from the 2019 unit provided production as well as leadership. Even after Pulizzi was lost, Hanna helped the running game perform well while helping quarterback Maddix Dalena go over 1,000 yards. The line will undergo heavy turnover again net season, but having Hanna back provides quite a strong foundation.

Owen Anderson, Jersey Shore, athlete

District 4’s Mr. Everything rarely left the field and excelled at whatever he as doing. This all-star coaching staff can line up Anderson at wide receiver, safety, linebacker, as a returner and as a punter and know that he be one of the best on the field at that spot every time. Anderson is all but a lock to earn all-state honors for a second straight season. The big question is where because a case can be made wherever he played. The senior leader caught 40 passes for 707 yards and 10 touchdowns, adding 390 rushing yards and eight touchdowns. He scored in all five playoff games, threw for 39 yards, returned a punt for a touchdown, averaged 15 yards per punt return and 31 yards per kick return. Anderson also made 49 tackles, intercepted two passes, forced two fumbles, averaged 34.2 yards per punt, placing six inside the 20, and scored 18 touchdowns four ways.

Elliott Wannop, Williamsport, kicker

An excellent soccer goalie, Wannop sure became quite a football weapon as well. The first-time kicker made an immediate impact with some key kicks early in the season and finished with an area-high four field goals on five attempts. Wannup produced a long of 34 yards and also drilled 21 extra points, producing 33 points in his debut season.

FIRST-TEAM DEFENSE

Avery Campbell, Williamsport, DL

Forming one of the district’s most formidable defensive end duos with Jones, Campbell averaged nearly a sack per game. The Wyoming Valley Conference all-star totaled five sacks in six games and also averaged 5.4 tackles per game. Tough against the run as well, Campbell played a prominent role in helping Williamsport’s starting defense hold its first five opponents to 14 or fewer points each. The junior produced a sack in four different games and made a season-high eight tackles against 5A state quarterfinalist Wyoming Valley West.

Aeden Holler, Loyalsock, DL

Whether lining up inside or outside the last three years, Holler has made a big impact and he put together a dominant senior campaign. Holler made 61 tackles, averaging 8.7 per game, and led the area with seven tackles for loss. A two-way starter, Holler also was third among area players with seven sacks and recorded multiple tackles for loss four times. The heart of Loyalsock’s defense, Holler topped 10 tackles three times, collected sacks in four of his seven games and also recovered a fumble while adding a blocked kick.

Zack Schmalhofer, Montoursville, DL

While he did not have as many sacks as the previous year, Schmalhofer may have been even better. The senior lineman, who has 11 sacks the last two years, anchored a strong front four and constantly disrupted opposing offenses. Excellent against the run, Schmalhofer also frequently hurried quarterbacks into errant throws and helped Montoursville lead the area in interceptions. He averaged nearly five tackles per game and made 28 solo tackles. Schmalhofer also set a physical tone for a stingy unit and forced three fumbles.

Dalton Dugan, Jersey Shore, DL

Strong enough to blow by blockers and both fast and smart enough to drop into coverage, the Sun-Gazette Lineman of the Year was a force at the front of Jersey Shore’s stifling defense. Dugan produced an area-high nine sacks, averaged 4.2 tackles per game and made 10 tackles or loss for a defense which allowed 3.2 points per game entering the state semifinals. Dugan ignited a rush which often made life miserable for opposing quarterbacks and showed how explosive he is to a statewide audience in his final two games. The senior defensive end returned interceptions for touchdowns against Lampeter-Strasburg and Thomas Jefferson in the state semifinals and championship. He also helped Jersey Shore win 22 games the past two seasons, making nearly 160 tackles.

Ethan Gush, Muncy, LB

District 4’s leading tackler was an all-state running back last year and may earn all-state linebacking honors this season after helping Muncy win another district championship. A hitting machine, Gush made 138 tackles, averaging 15.3 per game while reaching 20 tackles in a game four times. Also a 700-yard rusher, Gush made 15 solo tackles against Canton in the district final and 15 more against state champion Steel-High. The heart of Muncy’s tough defense, Gush made 279 tackles the past two season, closed his scholastic career with a whopping 417 and added 18 tackles for loss. He added an interception against Steel-High.

Brett Harvey, N.P.-Mansfield, LB

Although his team only played four games, Harvey certainly proved himself all-star worthy and built off his super 2019 campaign. The senior linebacker made 55 tackles, including 42 solos, in those four games, averaging 13.8 per game. Gush was the only District 4 player who averaged more tackles per game. Harvey likely would have surpassed 300 career tackles had COVID-19 not shortened North Penn-Mansfield’s season. A year after helping North Penn-Mansfield reach the District 4 Class AA semifinals, Harvey made at least 11 tackles in all four games, adding two for loss.

Hayden Packer, Jersey Shore, LB

Another Bulldog who shined brightest on the biggest stage, Packer was outstanding all season, but went to another level during the playoffs. The sophomore combined with older brother Gabe to give Jersey Shore an imposing tandem and made a team-high 82 tackles, averaging 7.5 per game. A physical player with a nose for the football, Packer made 11 tackles for loss, including five in three state playoff games. Packer made a career-high 16 tackles in the state quarterfinals at Crestwood, had three tackles for loss against Lampeter-Strasburg and added eight more, along with a fumble recovery, against Thomas Jefferson. Packer finished with 11 tackles for loss and also had three sacks.

Dylan Bennett, Montoursville, LB

Montoursville has featured some tremendous linebackers throughout the 2000s and that Bennett is in the discussion as the best reveals all ones needs to know about why he is the Sun-Gazette Linebacker of the Year. Fast, physical, smart and a super leader, Bennett had the entire package and was the catalyst for one of the district’s toughest defenses. He was a game-wrecker whose stats only tell part of the story about the impact he made. One of the district’s best pure tacklers also was excellent in coverage and could match up against elite receivers. The senior made 68 tackles, including 55 solos, adding six tackles for loss, a sack and a pick-6. Bennett also forced two fumbles, blocked a punt for a touchdown and helped Montoursville hold seven opponents to 12 or fewer points. He also was an offensive weapon and scored eight touchdowns four ways.

Chase Cavanaugh, Loyalsock, DB

Like Young and Anderson, Cavanaugh can be used all over the field for this all-star team. Pound for pound, he is one of District 4’s toughest players and he also solidified Loyalsock’s secondary, averaging 6.3 tackles per game. Cavanaugh intercepted two passes, made eight or more tackles four times and topped 10 tackles twice. Also an excellent quarterback, Cavanaugh threw for 1,061 yards, ran for 665 more and totaled 1,726 yards and 19 touchdowns in seven games. The three-year starting senior topped 1,000 yards passing for a third straight year and totaled nearly 7,000 yards during his scholastic career.

Kaden Falls, Central Mountain, DB

The Wildcats were the area’s most improved team, reaching their first district championship in nearly two decades and Falls was a big reason why. The senior anchored the secondary and was part of a vastly improved defense which held four of eight opponents to single digits. Falls intercepted two passes and broke up nine more. He also averaged 5.4 tackles per game and made 22 solos. Falls blocked a kick, had a key interception in a 7-3 win against Selinsgrove and returned a kickoff 85 yards for a touchdown.

Landon Lorson, South Williamsport, DB

An effective quarterback, Lorson also helped manage South’s secondary, helping the Mounties hold five of seven opponents to fewer than 20 points. An opportunistic and aggressive player, Lorson intercepted three passes and returned one for a touchdown. His play helped South be among area leaders in forced turnovers and he also was a sure tackler, making 50. Lorson averaged 7.3 tackles per game and intercepted a pass in three different games. He also threw for 545 yards and six touchdowns, helping a young team with just four senior starters go 5-2.

Ross Eyer, Muncy, DB

Only a sophomore, Eyer has become one of the district’s top safeties and the Sun-Gazette Defensive Back of the Year. Eyer can cover ground in a flash and was brilliant in the postseason when he intercepted four passes. The 6-foot-4 safety finished tied for first in area interceptions with six in nine games and added 32 tackles. Eyer intercepted two passes in both the district championship against Canton and state champion Steel-High. He scored the winning touchdown at Canton with a third-quarter pick-6 and made a good defense even better in his first year starting. Eyer put on a show against Steel-High, also catching five passes for 143 yards and three touchdowns. In just two years, Eyer has produced 17 touchdowns.

Jack Landis, Lewisburg, punter

One of the state’s best punters in any classification, Landis became a special teams weapon who often flipped field position with his booming kicks. Landis averaged a district-best 45.9 yards per punt with a long of 57. He was remarkably consistent as well and averaged more than 40 yards per punt in all but one of Lewisburg’s eight games. A good defensive back as well, Landis averaged 5.4 tackles per game and intercepted two passes.

SECOND-TEAM ALL-STARS

OFFENSE

QB-Chase Cavanaugh, Loyalsock; RB-Kaide Drick, Montgomery; RB-Riley Parker, Canton; RB-Ryan Pentz, Central Mountain; FB-Micah Walizer, Central Mountain; WR-Grant Bachman, South Williamsport; WR-Peyton Johnson, Central Mountain; WR-JerVal Weeks-Shuler; TE-Ben Knapp, Canton; TE-Ben Marino, Montgomery; OL-Sam Carson, Montoursville; OL-Lucas Long, South Williamsport; OL-Lee Springman, Jersey Shore; OL-Jake Welch, Central Mountain; OL-Julian Wilson, Loyalsock; Athlete-Dillon Young, Montoursville.

DEFENSE

DL-Owen Ordonez, Lewisburg; DL-Quincey Myers, Jersey Shore; DL-Charles Crews, Williamsport; DL-Jake Casella, South Williamsport; DL-Owen Ordonez, Lewisburg; LB-Caiden Williams, Canton; LB-CJ Signor, Montoursville; LB-Micah Walizer, Central Mountain; LB-Gabe Packer, Jersey Shore; LB-Hayden Ward, Canton; LB-Gage Sutliff, Bucktail; DB-Keith Freeman, Williamsport; DB-Max Moyers, Lewisburg; DB-Logan Pick, Montgomery; DB-Dylan Moll, Montoursville; DB-Rian Glunk, Loyalsock; P-Mikey Dylina, Hughesville.

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