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Mr. Everything: Derr does a little bit of everything for Muncy on the field

By Chris Masse 5 min read

Officially, Muncy listed Paxton Derr as a starting safety last Friday against Delone Catholic. Really, though, they could have just listed his position as "anywhere."

Derr truly has become Muncy's Mr. Everything. He has played linebacker, cornerback and safety. Offensively, he has lined up in the backfield, at wide receiver and as a wing. He also returns kickoffs and has played quarterback in the past.

That versatility, along with the leadership he provides, has made Derr an indispensable player and a huge reason Muncy (12-2) is in the Class A state Final 4 for the first time ever after defeating Delone Catholic, 41-17 last Friday. Derr and the Indians next play Bishop Guilfoyle Friday night for a spot in the state championship.

"It feels good to do anything (to help)," Derr said. "I always used to run the ball and catch the ball. I used to play quarterback, but I feel like I can do anything on both sides of the ball. I can be whatever they need me to be."

That is what makes Derr such a critical part of Muncy's success. Especially at the Class A level, having resourceful players is a must. And they don't come much more resourceful than Derr, a senior who played one of his best games against Delone.

In addition to hauling in three passes for 46 yards, Derr also helped set up a touchdown and red zone trip with catch and runs. He played both linebacker and safety and made a series of timely tackles, especially on third down. Derr also broke up a pass, returned kicks well and did all the little things which some might miss but which are so critical to teams winning.

"All-conference is going to be coming up and all-state nominations and where do you nominate him? Do you nominated him at corner, linebacker, safety? Take your pick," Muncy coach Sean Tetreault said. "He's played just about every position on defense and offensively he basically plays a wing, plays receiver, plays in the backfield. He's very intelligent, he loves football and I can't ask for a kid who works harder than him."

That hard work has shined through all season but with the spotlight on especially high against Delone, Derr really burst from the shadows. He nearly went the distance after catching a short pass on Muncy's first drive, going 16 yards to the 9-yard line. He picked up first downs on all three receptions and his last one, a 19-yarder set up Austin Johnson's game-clinching 10-yard touchdown two plays later.

Playing on an offense which features a 2,700-yard rusher and 1,300-yard rusher, Derr does not get a lot of opportunities but he is happy doing whatever allows the team to flourish. And when his opportunities come, he sure makes the most of them, consistently gaining yards after contact against Delone.

"I don't get a lot of chances to have the ball, so when I do I try and make the most of it," Derr said. "I just try and run as hard as I can and get as much as I can."

Derr brings that determination on defense as well. Playing three positions against Delone, Derr was instrumental in Muncy making repeated timely stops. In addition to being one of the game's leading tacklers, Derr made most of his tackles at the most crucial times.

That included multiple times on third down. Quick and fundamentally-sound, Derr hit hard, wrapped well and denied Delone plays which could have extended drives.

"He's brought confidence and support for the team," safety Dominic Guardini said. "He made three crucial third down stops. He's a big part of the game just right there. Everybody looks at guys like Austin, Stiles (Eyer), Kenny (Hampe) and Landyn (Wommer), but he's always there helping and supporting our team."

Outsiders might not understand how much Derr value provides but his teammates, coaches and Muncy fans sure do. In the ultimate team game, Derr has become the ultimate team player.

Instead of asking if he can play a certain position, Derr asks where the team needs him. Wherever it is, whatever is asked, Derr is ready. That sets an example which flows through the roster and that value cannot be measured by statistics.

"It's awesome to have a guy who can play all those different positions," Johnson said. "He's a really smart kid and it's awesome that we can put him anywhere on the field and know that he can make the plays."

Ironically, Derr did not play football as a freshman. A year away, however, reinvigorated him and Derr returned as a sophomore, eager to make his mark and help the team thrive. He has done that every day since returning and now is part of the most successful senior class in program history, one which has won a record 42 teams, including a record 12 this season.

And long before the games began last August, Derr was there helping fan the flames throughout the offseason. A jack of all trades symbolized that role starting last winter, making sure his teammates were hitting the weights, training well and doing everything possible to make this season a memorable one.

This campaign has now gone from memorable to unforgettable but neither Derr, nor his teammates are satisfied. Muncy faces its biggest challenge yet against Guilfoyle and Derr is eager to help his team ... literally everywhere he can.

"Paxton Derr is pushing every kid. He's in the weight room making sure the young guys are working," Tetreault said. "He's a big driving force in our guys wanting to be on the field and playing.

"I can't ask for a kid for our younger kids to take after."

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