Hadyn Packer named Sun-Gazette football Player of the Year
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No matter how noisy the locker room would become, when Hadyn Packer started talking everyone else grew quiet.
When Packer addressed the team, everybody listened. The Jersey Shore senior commanded respect, not through tough talk but through his action, his work and his production. He became an ideal leader, walking the walk and talking the talk, so his teammates hung on his every word.
Defenders often hung on in vain while trying to tackle the hard-charging fullback. And ball-carriers often hit the ground hard when Packer tackled them.
Packer had it all, making his teammates better and providing all-state production in every facet. He was his team’s MVP, helping Jersey Shore win a fifth straight District 4 Class AAAA championship and enjoy one of the best seasons in recent area history. Put it all together and Packer had the tremendous resume to edge out a loaded field and become the Sun-Gazette’s Player of the Year.
Other players nominated included Packer’s teammate Kooper Peacock, Loyalsock’s Davion Hill and Jaylen Andrews and Canton’s Riley Parker.
"I will always be proud to say I was part of the Jersey Shore program and what our coaches made it to be. The accomplishments that our team had in the four years I played are phenomenal," Packer said. "The team itself has learned to work so well together over the years which is where we found most of our success."
That’s Packer. It was never about him, but about the team. But on a roster filled with leaders, Packer still managed to stand out and provided the heartbeat for a team which completed a third straight undefeated regular season, won a fifth consecutive HAC-I title and scored an area record 708 points.
"His focus goes to a different level than most people and we’ve had some great ones. I’ve coached great ones in another schools and teams but he’s right there with the best of them with his focus," Jersey Shore coach Tom Gravish said. "He’s driven. Anything you would want to see in a player, he has. He has the heart, the desire, and he’s fearless and coachable.
"He has the whole package."
Packer is a near lock to earn all-state linebacker honors for a third straight year, but a strong case also could be made for him at running back. A wrecking ball with speed, Packer ran for 1,242 yards and 25 touchdowns despite often not playing in the second halves of games because Jersey Shore so often had teams beaten by halftime.
Obviously, that production immensely helped Jersey Shore. But so did all the intangibles Packer provided. Reflecting his maturity and the impact he made, Packer, along with Peacock, was selected as a captain by his junior year.
Whether in the weight room, class room, community or field, Packer set an example. He was the consummate teammate, always helping others, no matter their role on the team. The best players often become such by bringing out the best in all their teammates and that is where Packer excelled most.
"I feel that I embraced the role as a leader from the beginning of my junior year. I knew that we had few returning seniors (in 2021), so I knew I had to step up," Packer said. "I feel as if my leadership role intensified going into my senior year. I felt the biggest part of being a leader is not being afraid to speak up and say things to your teammates so the coach does not have to say it and only because it’s so much different hearing something from your peers rather than a coach."
Gravish often cited Packer following wins for doing just that. Jersey Shore mercy ruled nine of its 13 opponents by halftime, while finishing 12-1. Still, a standard has been set and Jersey Shore has become one of the state’s premier programs, winning seven district titles in 10 years. That does not happen by becoming complacent.
Packer let his teammates know when their standard was not being met. Then he and his teammates put words into action and finished the season as the state’s third-ranked Class AAAA team. And it’s not a coincidence that Packer is part of a senior class which won districts every year, reached a state championship and two state Final 4’s, while going 50-7.
"You saw that coming the day he entered the program, and you knew he had all the right stuff as far as the work ethic, the discipline, that attention to detail," Gravish said. "He always was great representation of what we’re asking for in class room and the community."
Packer started at linebacker and fullback the last three seasons, first making his mark on defense and earning all-state honors after helping Jersey Shore come within a play of winning the state championship. He finished his scholastic career with 318 tackles, 60 for loss, four interceptions and five forced fumbles.
"I love to play linebacker on defense. Linebacker was by far my favorite position on the field. It helped to have, who I think is the best defensive/linebackers coach in the state, Alex Jackson, as my position coach," Packer said. "I have so much pride with our defense over the past three years starting on it and that is a reason why it was so solid. The pride of our defense is the reason we were able to play so stingy and mean."
More impressive than the numbers was how Packer played the game. He quarterbacked one of state’s most ferocious defenses the past three years, helping it hold opponents to fewer than 10 points per game each time. As smart as he was he was physical, Packer saw plays unfolding before the ball was snapped.
He also was the ultimate weapon. Packer was tough enough to live in the backfield and stone ball-carriers, but fast enough to cover receivers, either in the slot or blanketing him downfeld.
"Offenses are so sophisticated now, and Hadyn is so intelligent a player that he picks up everything he’s been taught all week by Coach Jackson," Gravish said. "College coaches often are talking about football IQ and he sure he has one offensively, defensively and on special teams. He made so many great plays for us over the years."
Packer was just as reliable at fullback. Rarely would one defender bring down last year’s 189-pound third-place wrestler at the state championships. Packer often left a trail of broken tacklers as he bulldozed his way down the field.
Also a tremendous blocker, Packer averaged 9.3 yards per carry and was the thunder to the lightning quarterback and fellow 1,000-yard rusher Brady Jordan provided. Like a heavyweight boxer, an athlete closing in on the Jersey Shore wrestling record for wins wore down a defense with his repeated blows. The harder he came, the less tacklers wanted to hit him and Packer became the ultimate closer, scoring a touchdown in every game.
"I loved running the ball tough because I always knew how a hard ball carrier could really wear down a defense," Packer said. "It was always a sense of doing my part on the offense and I trusted everyone else would do theirs and that’s why we had so much success this year."
Helping others achieve success is as important to Packer as he himself, attaining it. He constantly volunteers his time at his church, with his fellow classmates and with future Jersey Shore players.
The little Bulldogs often attended Jersey Shore games the last few years and Packer was one of their favorite players. He worked with so many of them at various camps in the past. He may soon be graduating, but Packer always will remain a Bulldog and his legacy goes beyond the achievements.
It will be carried on now but those future players whose lives he has positively influenced.
"I think I will always look back and be able to say I played for Jersey Shore on three undefeated regular season teams with a great sense of pride," Packer said. "I think the other players will be able to look back and say that I gave it my all every snap of our games. I think I will be remembered at Jersey Shore as a great player but more so for who I am as a person."
Gravish and so many others agree. Many of those elementary school football players look at the high school players as kings. They also envision being the next Hadyn Packer.
The thing is, Packer is one of a kind. But if they emulate the qualities Packer has, those future players sure can go far in whatever avenue they pursue.
"Whatever college gets him on football field or wrestling mat is going to get a great young man," Gravish said. "They’re going to get a leader who’s going to impact their team in a very positive way. We talk all the time about how leaders are people who can effect change in a positive direction.
"That’s Hadyn Packer all the way."
SUN-GAZETTE FOOTBALL ALL-STAR TEAM
First Team
Offense
QB -- Tyler Gee, Loyalsock: Building off an all-state sophomore season, Gee was even better this fall and seems like a lock for all-state again. A steady leader, Gee produced 3,225 total yards and 36 touchdowns while helping Loyalsock reach the District 4 Class AAA championship. Completing 62.4 percent of his passes, Gee threw for a district-high 2,637 yards and 27 touchdowns. The junior signal caller also ran for 588 yards and nine scores. He topped 300 yards twice, 200 yards seven times and threw multiple touchdowns seven times. Gee has thrown a touchdown pass in all but one of his varsity starts and his 2,637 yards were the third highest single-season total in Lycoming County history. Gee is the only player in program history to top 2,000 yards in consecutive seasons and has produced 4,654 yards and 49 touchdowns the last two seasons.
RB -- Nasir Hennigan, Williamsport: To get a feel for how good Hennigan was this season consider that only Williamsport legends Darrell Blackman and Treyson Potts have scored more touchdowns in the 2000s than he did. Hennigan ran for 1,072 yards and 19 touchdowns in just nine games, hurting teams with his speed and power. The senior captain averaged 7.1 yards per carry, went over two yards twice and surpassed 100 yards five times. Hennigan was a home run threat every time he touched the football and is one of only 11 players in Williamsport's decorated history to top 2,000 career rushing yards. A three-year starter, Hennigan helped Williamsport reach two district finals and capture this year's 6A Eastern Conference title. In that game, Hennigan ran for 167 yards and four touchdowns as Williamsport routed Boyertown.
RB -- Riley Parker, Canton: One of the best to ever play at Canton, Parker closed his brilliant high school career by having his best season yet. The senior who never went down easy, produced 1,471 yards and 24 touchdowns despite often not playing much in the second halves of games. Parker averaged a whopping 9.6 carries and scored touchdowns in 26 of his last 28 scholastic games. He added 100 receiving yards and two scores. The three-year starter was part of a deep backfield, so Parker putting up the numbers he did is especially impressive since he carried the ball more than 18 times just once. Going over 1,400 yards and 20 touchdowns for a second straight season, Parker built another all-state resume and has more yards and touchdowns than Canton player this century. He closed his career with 3,424 yard and 56 touchdowns.
RB -- Davion Hill, Loyalsock: Hill edged out a rugged field to earn Sun-Gazette Back of the Year honors after putting together a dazzling season which helped Loyalsock win 11 games. The Division I basketball recruit showed why he could be a college football weapon as well, running for a district-high 1,877 yards and 20 touchdowns in 12 games. Hill added 16 catches for 377 yards, totaling 2,254 yards and 22 scores. Able to run over, around and away from defenders, Hill topped 1,000 yards in each of his three seasons and is the only Lancer to ever produced three 1,000-yard campaigns. He became just the eighth area player in the 2000s to go over 4,000 yards, finishing with 4,107 yards and 52 touchdowns, in addition to his 650 receiving yards. Hill is Loyalsock's all-time leading rusher and went over 100 yards 10 times, including twice against Danville, while averaging 7.6 yards per carry. He also returned a kickoff for a score and intercepted four passes.
FB -- Hadyn Packer, Jersey Shore: Packer's numbers are impressive on their own, but doubly so when one considers he rarely touched the ball in the second half since Jersey Shore mercy ruled nine of its 13 opponents by halftime. Also one of the best linebackers in Jersey Shore recent memory, Packer was a punishing runner who consistently bowled over defenders on his way to 1,242 yards and 25 touchdowns. A tremendous lead blocker as well, Packer ran for 1,242 yards and a district-best 25 touchdowns, while averaging 9.3 yards per carry. A runner who wore down defenses, Packer went over 1,000 yards for a second straight season and broke the program record with 52 rushing touchdowns, 45 coming in the last two seasons. Packer topped 100 yards seven times and scored in all 13, helping Jersey Shore average 55 points per game.
WR -- Ross, Eyer, Muncy: Think about all the great athletes who have played football in this area for so long. Now realize that none has caught more high school touchdowns than Eyer and one understands how good he was not just this season, by his entire scholastic career. Eyer shattered the area record for career touchdown catches, producing 36, six higher than No. 2. He also is second on the all-time yardage list with 2,201 yards. His team routinely blew out opponents en route to another NTL-II championship but Eyer still caught 29 passes for 765 yards and 15 touchdowns, scoring on a ridiculous 52 percent of his receptions. Eyer scored in 10 of 12 games, went over 100 yards three times and closed his career with 90 catches, scoring on 40 percent of them. A two-time all-state safety, Eyer also closed his career with 17 interceptions, helping Muncy win two district championships and two league titles.
WR -- Sam Hall, Warrior Run: In addition to having one of the best seasons in his program's history, no area sophomore receiver has ever had a year like the one Hall produced. After primarily playing running back as a freshman, Hall burst onto the scene and helped Warrior Run become one of the district's most improved teams. He is the first area sophomore to go over 1,000 yards and led all area receivers during the regular season with 47 catches, needing just 10 games to reach the 1,000-yard milestone. Hall finished with 52 catches, 1,136 yards and eight touchdowns. A big-play threat who gained a lot of yards after the catch, Hall collected six 100-yard games and went over 80 yards eight times. He averaged 21.9 yards per catch, had two 100-yard games against Mifflinburg and gouged Northwest for 222. Hall added 152 yards rushing and two touchdowns.
WR -- Jaylen Andrews, Loyalsock: During a year when the first two all-star receivers made history, it only makes sense that the Sun-Gazette's Receiver of the Year also did in a big way. Andrews had not just, arguably, the best receiving season in area history, but one of the best in District 4 history. Coming up huge after 2021 Sun-Gazette Player of the Year Rian Glunk was injured, Andrews torched defenses for 59 catches, an area record 1,403 yards and an area record 22 touchdowns. Andrews beat the touchdown record by five and also set a new area record with 284 yards against Montoursville, while tying an area record with five touchdowns in a semifinal win against Mifflinburg. Tall, fast and strong, Andrews was a nightmare to cover and scored in each of his last nine games. He also went over 100 yards six times and had 244 yards against Mifflinburg. His 22 touchdowns are the third most ever by a District 4 receiver. Oh yeah, Andrews also returned three kickoffs for touchdowns, averaging 93 yards on those returns. His 613 kick/punt return yards, pushed Andrews over 2,000 this season.
TE -- Connor Apker, South Williamsport: Although he only caught five passes, Apker made a giant impact as a blocker, essentially serving as another offensive lineman for one of the area's top rushing teams. Physical and athletic, Apker played a major role in South averaging 268 rushing yards per game and having three running backs go over 600 yards. Apker was one of the district's premier blocking tight ends and also showed what he can do as a receiver when he caught a 14-yard touchdown against Montgomery. Apker's experience and leadership were key assets for a young team which won three of its last four games. He also made a big impact defensively, establishing himself as a strong defensive end who helped South's starters surrender just one touchdown in their last three regular-season games.
OL -- Ken Hampe, Muncy: Already an imposing presence up front, Hampe could really become a force the next two seasons. The sophomore already is Muncy's leader up front and anchored a unit which surged throughout the season. A 300-pound tank, Hampe has quick feet and served as a leader on a line which featured just one returning starter and that played a vital role in Muncy going 10-1 and completing the program's first undefeated regular season. Consistently able to drive defenders back, Hampe helped Muncy average more than 40 points per game and have both a 1,000-yard rusher and passer. He and his fellow linemen really came on strong late in the season, imposing their will in consecutive impressive wins against District 4 Class AA semifinalist Hughesville and Northwest. Muncy ran for 799 yards in those games.
OL -- Ian Hornberger, Loyalsock: His team featured some of the state's premier explosive skill players, but the offense never could have reached the heights it did without Hornberger and his fellow linemen excelling up front. The senior often blasted open holes for Hill to run through and gave Gee time to spot his receivers downfield. An all-state tuba player as well, Hornberger helped Loyalsock make sweet music on the field as the Lancers averaged 38 points and 416 yards per game. A three-year starter, Hornberger complemented his size and strength with good agility and provided excellent leadership. That was crucial throughout the season since the line was ravaged by injuries. Hornberger was the glue which held this line together and Loyalsock having the district leader in passing, rushing and receiving yards is a testament to the job he did up front.
OL -- Luke Springman, Jersey Shore: As Jersey Shore romped to a fifth straight District 4 Class AAAA championship it piled up points quicker than a politician does lies. Springman and his linemen helped make it happen, often overwhelming the opposition up front. Smart, experienced and athletic, Springman helped Jersey Shore set an area record by scoring an area record 708 points. The Bulldogs averaged 54.5 points and 435 yards per game as the line helped them bury most teams under an avalanche of points by halftime. The senior helped lead this reliable unit and also helped first-time starters Dyson Delaney and Owen Vandruff becomes weapons. Springman's play on the line was vital to Jersey Shore's success the past two seasons as the Bulldogs went 26-2 and never lost a regular season game.
OL -- Hunter Zettlemoyer, Milton: Those looking at how Milton has made such a dramatic turnaround the last two seasons can start up front. The foundation for that success is built upon strong line play and Zettlemoyer anchors that unit. From the season opener on, Zettlemoyer set a physical tone and combined with Gary Verdinelli to give Milton a potent combination on the left side. Milton often ran the ball at will and Zettlemoyer was instrumental in the team having three rushers go over 400 yards. Milton averaged more than 30 points and 320 yards per game while going 9-2 just two years after snapping a 16-game losing streak. Zettlemoyer did some of his best work in a dramatic comeback win against Mifflinburg, helping Milton run for 326 yards as it erased a 13-point second-half deficit and won, 29-26.
OL -- Mason Nelson, Canton: If one is in a dark alley, it would helping having the Sun-Gazette's Lineman of the Year by his or side. A ferocious blocker, Nelson set a physical tone for Canton as it steamrolled its way to the Class A state semifinals for a second straight year. The 6-foot-2, 290-pounder consistently exploded off the line and punished opposing linemen as the Warriors ran the ball at will. Nelson was part of a stout, experienced unit which helped Canton average 268 rushing yards per game. Also an excellent defensive tackle, Nelson likely will earn all-state honors for a second straight year after helping Canton mercy rule eight opponents, including three in the playoffs. The senior leader helped fuel dominant lines the last two years as Canton repeated as district champions for the first time in program history.
Athlete -- Kooper Peacock, Jersey Shore: This reporter often refers to Peacock as âSuper Kooperã on Twitter and time after time, he lived up to the nickname. One could make a case that Peacock could be all-state at three different positions. He literally did everything for Jersey Shore, leading the team in receiving, flourishing in the secondary and leading that nation in return yardage during the regular season. Oh yeah, he also was an excellent punter who averaged 36.8 yards and put 25 percent of his kicks inside the 20-yard line. Peacock caught 29 passes for 507 yards and nine touchdowns, while intercepting four passes and returning three for scores. He was one of the state's top safeties and arguably it's best return man. Peacock averaged a crazy 21 yards on 44 punt returns, piling up 925 yards. He also was lethal on kick returns, averaging 35.8 yards. Peacock returned two punts for touchdowns as well and the three-year starter helped Jersey Shore go 36-3 the past three seasons.
K -- Breck Miller, Jersey Shore: He played football for just two years, but Miller still managed to obliterate the area record book. A year after shattering the single-season record for points (115), Miller became the area's all-time kicking points leader, finishing with 209. The senior was virtually automatic and trails only Loyalsock's Dan Hutchins in career field goals, finishing with 19. Miller now has the top two single-season point totals after producing 106 this past fall, drilling four field goals and a record 92 extra points. Miller beat the extra points record by 12 and is the only kicker in area history to top 100 points in a season, doing so twice. Just as important, Miller boomed his kickoffs and often helped flip field positions. He was the area leader in touchbacks and also often skillfully placed his kickoffs in the corners, cutting the field down and forcing teams to field it on a bounce at the 1-yard line, often making opponents navigate long fields.
Defense
DL -- Cameron Brought, Wellsboro: The heart of Wellsboro's defense, Brought put together and excellent season and reached 100 tackles in his final game. No area lineman made more tackles over the last two seasons than Brought who produced 193 in 19 games. Brought led Wellsboro in tackles and sacks, collecting four, while also recovering two fumbles and forcing another. Brought consistently was a difference maker and had 10 or more tackles five times. That included a 17-tackle performance in his last contest against North Penn-Mansfield. Brought also performed well on the offensive line and has 6 1/2 sacks the last two years.
DL -- Tate Sechrist, Jersey Shore: The area's premier pass rusher the last two seasons, Sechrist again led the area in sacks and has an excellent shot at repeating as an all-state selection. Sechrist was one of the main reasons Jersey Shore featured such a nasty defense, consistently stuffing the run and harassing quarterbacks while flying off the edge. The junior defensive end piled up 10 sacks and 22 tackles for loss, giving him 18 1/2 sacks and 39 tackles for loss the past two years. Sechrist led Jersey Shore in tackles, producing 95 and is a physical, quick player who wreaks havoc. He proved that by tallying 73 quarterback hurries, forcing three fumbles and recovering three more. Also a dangerous running back, Sechrist has scored three defensive touchdowns these last two years, including returning a fumble for the opening score in this year's district championship.
DL -- Gabe Wagner, Hughesville: Like Sechrist, Wagner was a big-time difference coming from the outside. A three-year starter, Wagner helped solidify Hughesville's stingy defense up front and led all area defensive linemen with 101 tackles. More impressive, 63 of those tackles were solos. Wagner also was among the area's sack leaders, finishing with six, while adding 22 tackles for loss. Also a terrific punter, Wagner recorded at least one tackle for loss in 11 of his 12 games and had a nose for the football, recovering four fumbles. The senior defensive end produced at least 3 1/2 sacks in each season starting and came up big in the playoffs, making 23 tackles, including 15 solos.
DL -- Zach Rooney, Jersey Shore: What Sechrist was to Jersey Shore's edge, the Sun-Gazette's Lineman of the Year was to the interior. An absolute wrecking machine, Rooney helped provide the foundation for what this tremendous defense was built upon. The senior, also a super offensive lineman, routinely overpowered the opposition, setting up real estate in the backfield. The stats are impressive, but only tell part of the story, as Rooney's presence created opportunities for so many other Jersey Shore playmakers. Rooney averaged 5.1 tackles per game, made 15 tackles for loss, totaled three sacks and added 37 hurries. State semifinalist Allentown Central Catholic had no answers for Rooney in its overtime first round contest. Rooney produced two sacks in his final game and frequently helped Jersey Shore stop players at or behind the line of scrimmage. He was a major reason Jersey Shore's starters surrendered just two touchdowns en route to a fifth straight district championship.
LB -- Hayden Ward, Canton: Helping provide the heartbeat for a dynamic defense, Ward produced a season which should earn him a second straight all-state selection. The senior leader topped 100 tackles for a second straight year, finishing with 109. Ward also led the area in tackles for loss, producing 26 and going over 20 for a second consecutive year. Ward has 48 tackles for loss the past two seasons and is one of the state's surest tacklers, often knifing through the backfield and quickly stoning ball-carriers, something he did four times against state champion Steelton-Highspire in the semifinals. Ward also was the area's leader in sacks by a linebacker, collecting six. Ward's production and leadership were instrumental to Canton reaching the state's Final 4 again and he often played his best in the biggest moments. Ward also went over 1,000 career rushing yards, running for 456 and nine touchdowns this year.
LB -- Hudson Ward, Canton: Talk about some great genes. Hayden's younger brother is building on the family tradition on burst onto the scene, enjoying a stellar season and providing Canton another weapon. Hudson built his own all-state resume, leading this swarming defense with 141 tackles, including 80 solos. Like his brother, Hudson is a physical player who flies around the field and he also made 11 tackles for loss. Hudson topped 10 tackles in each playoff game and produced at least seven in all 14 games. He also topped 10 tackles eight times, averaging 12.7 in the postseason. Hudson produced three sacks and was joined by his younger brother Holden, giving Canton three strong brothers making things happen. Canton loses the bulk of its starters next season, but Hudson provides it quite a player to build around.
LB -- Jason Shuda, Muncy: Like the Ward brothers, Shuda hit everything he saw hard. The latest in Muncy's deep pipeline of sensational linebackers, Shuda seemingly was everywhere every game. The team's defensive leader produced 130 tackles in 12 games, including 71 solos, despite limited playing time in the second half with Muncy repeatedly blowing out teams. He was a force against the run and the three-year starter kept elevating his performance each season. Bringing out the best in fellow standout linebackers, Landyn Wommer and Jacob Fowler, Shuda made 71 solo tackles and went over 10 tackles eight times in 11 games. The middle linebacker put on a defensive clinic in a 21-14 win at South Williamsport, making 20 tackles, including 15 solos before scoring the winning touchdown in the last minute. Shuda produced 350 career tackles, including 22 for loss, helping Muncy win a district or league championship each season.
LB -- Mason Hoppes, Hughesville: The Sun-Gazette Linebacker of the Year set a new standard at Hughesville and led the state in tackles, racking up 196 in just 12 games. The most impressive aspect of those tackles is that an astounding 147 were solos. Hoppes sought out ball-carriers, found them and brought them down hard, sparking a resurgent and stingy defense. Fast, physical and smart, Hoppes made at least 11 tackles in all 12 games, helping the Spartans reach the district semifinals for the first time since 2015. He averaged a crazy 16.3 tackles per game and went into overdrive down the stretch. Hoppes, a four-year starter, topped 20 tackles and had at least 16 solos in each of his last five games. He finished the season with 21 tackles for loss and put together one of the more dominant defensive performances in recent memory in a 12-3 quarterfinal win at Bloomsburg. That night, Hoppes made 23 tackles, 17 solos and three for loss as Hughesville put an exclamation point on its turnaround season.
CB -- Austin Allen, Canton: Running against Canton often was a futile task. The problem for opponents was that Allen was a key reason passing was just as daunting. The senior formed a super cornerback tandem with Bailey Ferguson and often locked down receivers. Allen intercepted four passes and often helped take away the opponent's top one. He intercepted a pass and broke up a potential touchdown against state champion Steelton-Highspire, while also making six solo tackles in that game. Allen also helped Canton hold 2,000-yard passer Owen Bougher to a season-low 77 in the state quarterfinals and help shut down Athens' explosive passing game in a 21-0 win.
CB -- Connor Griffin, Jersey Shore: One of the area's most physical defensive backs also was one of its best in coverage. Like against Canton, opponents often tried attacking Jersey Shore through the air, but Griffin did not surrender a touchdown all season. He also intercepted a team-high five passes, averaging 24 yards per return. Griffin picked off nine passes the last two seasons and was an outstanding tackler, making 30 solos. If receivers did catch a pass against Griffin, they often paid a price with him landing a big hit. The senior also was a strong wide receiver, catching 27 passes for 506 yards, while going over 1,000 yards for his career.
S -- Branson Eyer, Muncy: One of the best overall players in program history, Eyer helped anchor a strong secondary and returned two of his three interceptions for touchdowns. His Pick 6 on Northwest's opening possession set the tone for a 54-6 district semifinal win. Eyer averaged four tackles per game and went over 200 tackles for his high school career. He also intercepted two passes and was tough against the pass and run. Eyer shattered just about every Muncy career passing record as well with the four-year starter producing 5,995 total yards and 72 touchdowns. He threw or 1,166 yards, 19 touchdowns and just two interceptions in his final season and had the second-highest passer rating for a quarterback in the 2000s.
S -- Aiden Barlett, Hughesville: Like Eyer, the Sun-Gazette Defensive Back of the Year, excelled in all facets. Barlett sparked a hard-hitting and effective secondary, leading the district with seven interceptions. The junior safety twice picked off multiple passes in a game and returned one for a touchdown. He formed one of the area's best safety tandems alongside Tyler Wetzel and Barlett also returned a fumble for a score. The junior averaged 8.8 tackles per game and was a sure tackler who rarely let an opponent escape his grasp. Barlett topped 10 tackles four times and also was one of the area's premier receivers. He finished with 37 catches for 586 yards, adding a rushing touchdown and helping highlight Hughesville's resurgence.
P -- Zachary Kreisher, Lewisburg: Forget high school, most colleges would love the production Kreisher produced this season. The senior punter produced one of the best seasons in area history, averaging 45 yards per punt. Kreisher also placed those punts well, dropping 12 of his 45 inside the 20-yard line. Kreisher boomed a long punt of 70 yards and never averaged fewer than 36.5 yards in any of his 11 games. Also an effective kicker, Kreisher averaged 52.3 on kickoffs, adding six touchbacks.
Return specialist -- Weston Bellows, Canton: Like Peacock, Bellows was his team's Mr. Everything. He literally played every skill position, totaled 870 yards and was a standout safety who intercepted four passes. Bellows threw for, ran for and caught touchdowns, while intercepting four passes and being one of the team's top tacklers. He also was a fantastic return man, consistently producing big yardage and giving Canton good field position. Bellows returned a punt 66 yards for a touchdown and the opening kickoff against Northern Cambria in the state quarterfinals 77 yards for another score. Bellows made several defenders miss on both returns and combined some bruising power to go along with his speed and shiftiness. He returned three punts for scores over the last two seasons and produced touchdowns five different ways during that time.
Second Team
Offense
QB -- Brady Jordan, Jersey Shore; RB -- Matthew Conklin, Montoursville; Fletcher Good, Cowanesque Valley; Amir Kemrer, South Williamsport; FB -- Austin Johnson, Muncy; WR -- Marco Pulizzi, Montoursville; Jamaire Harden, Williamsport; Sammy Lawrence, North Penn-Mansfield; TE -- Cy Cavanaugh, Loyalsock; OL -- Austin Bowersox, South Williamsport; Dyson Delaney, Jersey Shore; Jared Palski, Jersey Shore; Brenen Taylor, Canton; Gage Pepper, Canton; Eli Harris, Muncy; Carter Secora, Loyalsock; Athlete -- Xzavier Minium, Milton; George Whaley, Williamsport; K -- Wyatt Fry, Montoursville; K -- Bailey Ferguson, Canton
Defense
DL -- Dierk Stetts, Jersey Shore; Gary Verdinelli, Milton; Isaiah Betz, Warrior Run; Carter Secora, Loyalsock; LB -- Weston Pick, Montgomery; Gavin Rice, Loyalsock; Logan Bastian, Loyalsock; Ryan Casella, South Williamsport; Landyn Wommer, Muncy; DB -- Tyler Wetzel, Hughesville; DB -- Peyton Rearick, Milton; DB -- Dylan Scheller, South Williamsport; DB -- Braylon Fantaski, Bucktail; P -- Ashton Bennett, Central Mountain