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Hughesville grad Barlett making huge impact for Lycoming early

By Jon Gerardi 4 min read

It wasn't unusual to hear over the PA system at David Person Field at Girardi Stadium on Saturday that Aiden Barlett forced a player out of bounds, was in on a tackle or see him playing solid defensive coverage on a receiver.

On the final play of the game against Montclair State, the Red Hawks kicked a field goal from 21 yards out that was good. But just before it cleared the upright, Lycoming coach Mike Clark thought he saw a defensive player signal that the ball got tipped.

His first thought? Barlett got a hand on it.

That's the type of player Barlett is. He hustles whistle to whistle and never lets up.

"I'm not sure if someone tipped the last field goal. I wouldn't be surprised if it wasn't him," Clark said. "Someone signaled tip."

Lycoming suffered a tough 30-28 loss on Saturday to Montclair State, but Barlett played outstanding and helped the Warriors in various ways.

With 1:12 left in the first quarter, Montclair State's Diante Wilson broke a 31-yard run to score a touchdown and gave the Red Hawks an early 7-0 lead. On the kickoff following that score, Aiden Barlett caught the ball at his own 6 and proceeded to return it 94 yards for a game-tying and huge momentum shifting touchdown early in the game with 59 seconds until the first quarter concluded.

"I saw all my blockers do exactly what they're supposed to and it just opened up for me. I just ran," Barlett said.

As the second quarter was wrapping up, Montclair State was driving and had the ball on the Warriors' 32 and were hoping to punch in a touchdown before going to the half. Luke Henrich looked to his right and tried to hit a receiver, only to see Barlett pick it off at the 6 yard line, coming up with a big turnover right before halftime. It kept the Warriors ahead, 14-7.

"That kid is a ridiculous athlete and a really good player," Clark said. "That kid's an amazing player. Obviously there's a reason he's our returner. He made the play he made last week. He's good, he's a tremendous football player."

The Hughesville graduate had five solo tackles on Saturday, an interception and a pass breakup. The former Spartan was all over the field on the defensive side of the ball and did a good job covering Montclair State's receivers.

"I love helping my team out any way I can, be it special teams or defense. We just have to play a complete game," Barlett said after Saturday's loss. "We have to play defense the way we did in the first two quarters rather than the second two and I think we come out on top (vs. Red Hawks)."

"I just have to stay consistent and take it week by week," Barlett continued.

This year has been a great start for the former Hughesville standout. Barlett had a 20-yard fumble recovery touchdown in a 17-7 win over TCNJ in the first week of the season.

In that game, Barlett had two tackles -- one solo and one assisted -- in addition to an interception. The Warrior defense has recorded two picks this season through two games, and both are by Barlett.

"Definitely faster. I feel lighter on my feet, a little bit more athletic," Barlett said in his difference from last year to this year. "I mean if you look at the film you can tell the difference."

"We just play as a unit and play as one. Just stop the other team," Barlett added about the Warriors' defense. "We have to keep preparing week in and week out."

Clark noted that he's seen Barlett get even better from last season into this season as well.

"Oh gosh, he played a lot for us as a freshman. Quite honestly, I mean he could start on either side fo the ball for us," Barlett said. "He's a great kid and an unbelievable worker. He's a really, really good football player."

And Barlett is a football player that Clark and the Lycoming coaches are no doubt are glad to be wearing Warrior colors every Saturday.

Starting at /week.