Mercyhurst’s Trevor Kennedy, California’s Rontez Miles Named PSAC West Players of the Year
Mercyhurst’s Sanders tabbed top freshman, Slippery Rock’s Mihalik selected top coach
Lock Haven, Pa. – Mercyhurst wide receiver Trevor Kennedy has been named the PSAC West Offensive Player of the Year for the second straight season while California defensive back Rontez Miles has been picked as the PSAC West Defensive Player of the Year, highlighting the 2011 All-PSAC West football teams. Mercyhurst freshman running back Richard Sanders has been selected as the PSAC West Freshman of the Year while head coach Dr. George Mihalik of PSAC West co-champion Slippery Rock has been named the PSAC West Coach of the Year.
California, which shared the PSAC West championship with Slippery Rock to earn at least a share of its seventh straight divisional title, led the way with both 12 overall selections and eight first team selections. Quarterback Peter Lalich is the second straight Vulcan signal caller to be named the first team quarterback and it marks the seventh straight year that a Vulcan quarterback has been named either the first or second team quarterback on the all-conference team. Running back Lamont Smith earns his second straight first team honor while tight end Blake Williamson is also on the first team for the second straight year. Guard Rishaw Johnson and wide receiver Thomas Mayo are the Vulcans other offensive representatives on the first team. Miles is one of three defensive selections on the first team for the Vulcans. Defensive linemen Thomas Mulabah and Steve Santia are the other two.
IUP had eight overall selections, which was just the fourth-most, but the Crimson Hawks’ six first team picks were the second most. Running back Harvie Tuck is a first team pick for the second straight year as he is one of three backs in the PSAC that has gone over 1,000 yards this season. He was joined on the first team offense by teammate Byron Dovales, a tackle, and kicker Brett Ullman. Senior linebacker Mark Jackson, senior defensive back Johnny Franco and senior punter Grant Shallock are the Hawks on the first team defense. Mercyhurst’s 10 overall selections were led by Kennedy, who for the second straight year in on the first team as both a receiver and a return specialist. He is the only player on the West squad to earn all-conference honors this season at multiple positions. Joining Kennedy on the first team from the Lakers are Sanders, the Freshman of the Year, at running back, tackle Kevin Poropat, and linebacker Ian Wild. Edinboro had the next most overall selections with nine, led by guard Rob Stoner, defensive lineman Keir Jeter, linebacker Ryan Skelton and defensive back James Jackson on the first team. Cody Harris is the second team quarterback. His older brother, Trevor, was a four-time All-PSAC West selection at quarterback and a two-time PSAC West Offensive Player of the Year. The younger Harris distinguished himself this season as he led the PSAC in completion percentage at 72.2 percent and among starting QBs, threw the fewest interceptions with seven while ranking sixth in the league in passing yards per game with 196.1.
Other highlights on the West team include Gannon senior defensive lineman Randy Colling, who is on the first team for the third straight season and is one of seven individuals to earn his third career all-conference honor, but the only one now with three first team honors now on his resume. Slippery Rock wide receiver Devin Goda is on the first team for the first time in his career after two previous second team selections. Both Miles and Wild are on the first team for the second straight year and are all-conference picks for the third time in their careers. Cal receiver Chedrick Cherry is on the second team for the third straight year, as are IUP junior defensive lineman Carl Thornton and Gannon defensive back Chris Cook. In total, 36 of the 58 selections on the All-West teams are first time honorees.
Kennedy, the Offensive Player of the Year, led the PSAC in five different offensive categories this season, including receptions per game (8.0), receiving yards per game (126.3), overall scoring (8.7 points per game), touchdowns scored (16) and all-purpose yards per game (202.9). He also was second in punt return average at 11.7 yards per return, and third in kick return average at 25.1 yards per return, including one for a touchdown. He also ranked fourth in the country in all-purpose yards and second in receiving yards per game.
Miles, the Defensive Player of the Year, is the third different California player in the last five seasons to be named the Defensive Player of the Year, following former teammate Willie Walker in 2009 and Gary Butler in 2007. Miles, the 2009 PSAC West Freshman of the Year, has anchored the talented Vulcan secondary, which has allowed the second-fewest passing yards in the league and the fewest passing touchdowns, with just 10. His 59 total tackles ranks fourth on the team and he also made 6.0 tackles for loss, four interceptions and totaled 11 passes defended and blocked a kick.
Sanders is the first Mercyhurst player to be named the West Freshman of the Year. He provided a much-needed boost to the Laker running game this season, which had lost its top rushers from last year, as he totaled 532 yards on the ground (4.0 yards per carry) and six rushing touchdowns. He was also his team’s fourth-leading receiver, catching 18 passes for 167 yards.
Mihalik is the Coach of the Year for the fourth time in his career but for the first time since 1999. He guided The Rock to its first PSAC West title since 2000 and its first appearance in the PSAC championship game since 1974. Mihalik, who was the West Coach of the Year for three straight years from 1997-99, just completed his 24th season as Rock’s head coach and his 161 career wins rank him fourth among active PSAC head coaches.
2011 All-PSAC West Football Team
First Team Offense
Quarterback
Peter Lalich California Jr. Springfield, Va./West Springfield
Running Back
Richard Sanders Mercyhurst Fr. Painesville, Ohio/Lake Catholic
Lamont Smith* California Jr. Penn Hills, Pa./Central Catholic
Harvie Tuck* IUP Jr. Akron, Ohio/St. Vincent-St. Mary
Offensive Tackle
Byron Dovales IUP So. Reading, Pa./Muhlenberg
Kevin Poropat Mercyhurst Jr. Mentor, Ohio/Mentor
Offensive Guard
Rishaw Johnson California Sr. Hammond, La./Hammond
Rob Stoner* Edinboro Sr. Edinboro, Pa./General McLane
Center
Austin Fedell Slippery Rock Jr. Wexford, Pa./North Allegheny
Tight End
Blake Williamson* California Jr. Houston, Pa./Chartiers-Houston
Wide Receiver
Devin Goda^^ Slippery Rock Sr. Monongahela, Pa./Elizabeth Forward
Trevor Kennedy* Mercyhurst Sr. Akron, Ohio/Firestone
Thomas Mayo California Sr. Reston, Va./South Lakes
Placekicker
Brett Ullman IUP Fr. Baltimore, Md./Perry Hall
First Team Defense
Defensive Line
Randy Colling** Gannon Sr. Arcade, N.Y./Pioneer
Keir Jeter^ Edinboro Sr. Moon Township, Pa./Moon
Barrington Morrison* Clarion Sr. Pittsburgh, Pa./Penn Hills
Thomas Mulabah^ California Sr. Sterling, Va./Parkview
Steve Santia California Sr. Greensburg, Pa./Hempfield
Linebacker
Mark Jackson IUP Sr. Canton, Ohio/McKinley
Ryan Skelton^ Edinboro Sr. Edinboro, Pa./General McLane
Jake Wickline Slippery Rock Sr. Beaver Falls, Pa./Riverside
Ian Wild*^ Mercyhurst Sr. Pittsburgh, Pa./Baldwin
Defensive Back
Johnny Franco IUP Sr. Tyrone, Pa./Tyrone
James Jackson Edinboro So. New Smyrna Beach, Fla./New Smyrna Beach
Rontez Miles*^ California Jr. Braddock, Pa./Woodland Hills
Brandon Watters Slippery Rock Sr. Wilkinsburg, Pa./Woodland Hills
Return Specialist
Trevor Kennedy* Mercyhurst Sr. Akron, Ohio/Firestone
Punter
Grant Shallock IUP Sr. Webster, N.C./Smoky Mountain
Second Team Offense
Quarterback
Cody Harris Edinboro So. Waldo, Ohio/Marion Pleasant
Running Back
Brandon Akins Clarion So. Erie, Pa./Strong Vincent
Brandon Brader Lock Haven So. Bethlehem, Pa./Liberty
Jeff Groene Mercyhurst So. Cincinnati, Ohio/Turpin
Offensive Tackle
Shane Hess* Edinboro Gr. Lancaster, Pa./Lampeter-Strasburg
A.J. Hopp Slippery Rock Sr. Akron, Ohio/Archbishop Hoban
Offensive Guard
Anthony Herko Lock Haven So. Pittsburgh, Pa./Bethel Park
A.J. Vercelli Clarion Jr. Gibsonia, Pa./Deer Lakes
Center
Steve Reinhardt Mercyhurst So. Bradford, Pa./Bradford
Tight End
R.J. Miller Mercyhurst So. Pittsburgh, Pa./North Hills
Wide Receiver
David Bostic^ Edinboro Sr. Tavares, Fla./Tavares
Chedrick Cherry^^ California Sr. Cincinnati, Ohio/Moeller
Lawrence Coleman Gannon Sr. Warren, Ohio/Warren G. Harding
Placekicker
Alex Romanias Edinboro Sr. Pittsburgh, Pa./Upper St. Clair
Second Team Defense
Defensive Line
Dusty Galich Mercyhurst So. Erie, Pa./McDowell
Ian Jeffers Gannon Jr. Silver Spring, Md./Springbrook
Jeff Thompson Slippery Rock Jr. Clairton, Pa./Clairton
Carl Thornton^^ IUP Jr. Beaver Falls, Pa./Beaver Falls
Skyler Wool Lock Haven Jr. Waterville, Pa./Jersey Shore
Linebacker
Brian Justice California So. Cape Coral, Fla./Cape Coral
Zach Sheridan^ Slippery Rock Sr. Pittsburgh, Pa./Seton-LaSalle
Nate Sipes Clarion Jr. Curwensville, Pa./Curwensville
Kevin Williams Mercyhurst Sr. Valley Stream, N.Y./Holy Cross
Defensive Back
Chris Cook^^ Gannon Sr. Cleveland, Ohio/Shaw
Andre Henderson* IUP Sr. Erie, Pa./Strong Vincent
Erik Harris* California Sr. New Oxford, Pa./New Oxford
Patrick Swearinger California Sr. Waldorf, Md./Thomas Stone
Return Specialist
Justin Caliste Gannon Fr. Roseville, Calif./Oakmont
Punter
Ryan Genco Edinboro Sr. Silver Creek, N.Y./Silver Creek Central
* Indicates previous All-PSAC first team selection
^ Indicates previous All-PSAC second team selection
PSAC West Offensive Player of the Year
Trevor Kennedy, WR/KR, Mercyhurst (Akron, Ohio/Firestone)
PSAC West Defensive Player of the Year
Rontez Miles, DB, California (Braddock, Pa./Woodland Hills)
PSAC West Freshman of the Year
Richard Sanders, RB, Mercyhurst (Painesville, Ohio/Lake Catholic)
PSAC West Coach of the Year
Dr. George Mihalik, Slippery Rock
Kutztown’s Kevin Morton and Cheyney’s Tim Hume Named PSAC East Players of the Year
C.W. Post’s Laurino tabbed Freshman of the Year, Kutztown’s Monica selected Coach of the Year
Lock Haven, Pa. – For the second straight season, Kutztown quarterback Kevin Morton has been named the PSAC East Offensive Player of the Year for the second straight season while Cheyney defensive lineman Tim Hume has been tabbed the PSAC East Defensive Player of the Year as that duo highlights the 2011 All-PSAC East football teams. C.W. Post quarterback Steven Laurino has been selected as the PSAC East Freshman of the Year while Kutztown head coach Raymond Monica has been named the PSAC East Coach of the Year for the second straight season after guiding the Golden Bears to the NCAA playoffs for the second straight year.
Bloomsburg led the way with both 13 total all-conference selections and nine first team picks. PSAC East co-champion C.W. Post was next with 12 total selections while the other East co-champion and overall conference champion Kutztown was next with 11 total selections. The Golden Bears were also second to Bloomsburg with eight first team honorees. Bloomsburg’s talented running back duo of Franklyn Quiteh and Eddie Mateo led the way on the first team as that pair of teammates both rushed for over 1,000 yards this season and rank 1-2 in the PSAC in rushing yards per game. Quiteh, last year’s East Freshman of the Year, is on the first team for the second straight season. Offensive guard Brian Clarke, tight end Dylan Manni and kicker Dan Fisher are also on the first team offense from the Huskies, while Bloomsburg is represented on the first team defense by defensive lineman John Pettine, linebacker Jarrett Pidgeon, and defensive back Oscar Rivera, who is a first team pick for the third straight season. Fisher also is the first team punter, one of three players on the East squad to earn all-conference honors at multiple positions.
Kutztown’s first team selections include Morton, who is the first team quarterback for the second straight year, and Josh Mastromatto, who earned first team honors at both running back and return specialist. Tackle Aaron McGlynn and guard Nick Maloney are both on the first team, as it receiver Erik Frazier, while the Golden Bears are represented on the defensive first team by linebacker Andrew Hodges and defensive back Alex Dinolfi, who is the PSAC’s leader in interceptions this season with nine. C.W. Post was represented on the first team offense by tackle Kevin Martin, who earned his third straight first team honor and wide receiver Grayson Laurino, who is also the second team punter. Defensive linemen Kadeem Huggins and Lou Scala and linebacker Billy O’Connor represent the Pioneers on the first team defense.
The East all-conference team is full of new faces this year as of the 58 total selections on both the first and second teams, 41 earned the honor for the first time their careers, either overall or at their respective positions. Of the 17 players on the team that had previously been an all-conference selection, only four had previously been on the all-conference team more than once. In addition to Martin and Rivera, who are the only three-time first team selections, Hume is a three-time selection as is C.W. Post’s Jon Siopa, who is the second team center after previously an all-conference tackle, once on the first team and once on the second team.
Hume is the first player from Cheyney to garner a major postseason award since Dominique Curry was named the East Rookie of the Year in 2005. He is the first member of the Wolves to be named a Player of the Year since Keith Higdon was named the Athlete of the Year in 1993, which was prior to there being separate Player of the Year awards for offense and defense. Hume, who is also on the first team this year after two previous second team honors, co-led the PSAC in tackles for loss this season with 21.5, including 19 solo tackles for loss. That total included 6.5 sacks, including six solo sacks, which ranks him eighth in the league. He was the leader on a Cheyney defense that posted a modest improvement this season as the Wolves ranked around the middle of the PSAC in yards allowed, both overall, rushing and passing, He was third on his team in tackles with 62 and he also recorded two defended passes on the season. He recorded 7.5 tackles for loss in a single game this season – against West Chester on October 15.
Morton is the Offensive Player of the Year for the second straight season after once again presiding over the top offense in the PSAC and one of the top ranked offenses in the country that leads the PSAC in both scoring (39.4) and total offense (483.8). He currently ranks fourth in the league in passing (242.4 ypg, 2,666 total yards) but is first in passing efficiency at 164.8. His 32 touchdown passes is second in the PSAC and he is also fifth in total offense (259.5, 2,854 total yards). While his numbers are slightly down from last year’s school-record setting season, that is mainly due to Kutztown’s rushing offense, which is averaging almost 100 more yards per game this year over last year behind the duo of Mastromatto and second team running back Robbie Frey.
Steven Laurino, the younger brother of Grayson, is the second Pioneer in the last three seasons to be named the East Freshman of the Year after his teammate Thomas Beverly garnered the award in 2009. After a slow start to the season, Laurino emerged in the middle of the season as one of the top dual-threat quarterbacks in the PSAC as he was the top rushing QB in the league with 764 rushing yards, which also ranked ninth overall in the PSAC. With him leading the PSAC in rushing yards for a QB, it marks the third straight year that a Post quarterback has been the top rushing QB in the league, after Erik Anderwkavich was the top rushing signal-caller in the league the last two seasons. He is the first quarterback to be the East Rookie/Freshman of the Year since Jamal Smith of Millersville in 2007. His efforts contributed to the Pioneers’ first divisional title since they joined the league in 2008.
Monica is the Coach of the Year for the second straight season after leading the Golden Bears to a 10-1 mark in the regular season for the second straight year. Kutztown, which enters the first round of the NCAA playoffs this weekend sporting a 20-3 record over the last two seasons, won only its second PSAC East title in program history this season as it shared the title with C.W. Post, and captured its first overall PSAC championship in program history. After not having a single NCAA playoff appearance in school history up until last season, the Golden Bears earned their second straight postseason berth this year. Kutztown’s 10 wins this season also ties a school record, which was set last season, and they can set a new record with a win in the first round this weekend, which would also be the first playoff win in program history.
2011 All-PSAC East Football Team
First Team Offense
Quarterback
Kevin Morton* Kutztown Jr. Abington, Pa./Abington
Running Back
Josh Mastromatto^ Kutztown Jr. Fort Washington, Pa./Upper Dublin
Eddie Mateo Bloomsburg So. Bethlehem, Pa./Freedom
Franklyn Quiteh* Bloomsburg So. Tobyhanna, Pa./Pocono Mountain West
Offensive Tackle
Kevin Martin** C.W. Post Sr. Patchogue, N.Y./Patchogue-Medford
Aaron McGlynn^ Kutztown Jr. Harleysville, Pa./Souderton
Offensive Guard
Brian Clarke Bloomsburg So. Hanover, Pa./Hanover
Nick Maloney Kutztown Jr. Pottstown, Pa./Pottstown
Center
Dan Caffrey^ East Stroudsburg Sr. Whitehall, Pa./Whitehall
Tight End
Dylan Manni Bloomsburg Jr. Bensalem, Pa./Bensalem
Wide Receiver
Grayson Laurino C.W. Post Jr. Boise, Idaho/Boise
Erik Frazier^ Kutztown Sr. Philadelphia, Pa./Germantown
Dusty Reed East Stroudsburg So. Hanover, Pa./Delone Catholic
Placekicker
Dan Fisher^ Bloomsburg So. Liverpool, Pa./Central Dauphin
First Team Defense
Defensive Line
Kadeem Huggins C.W. Post Sr. Corona, N.Y./Progress
Tim Hume^^ Cheyney Sr. Harrisburg, Pa./Susquehanna
John Pettine Bloomsburg Sr. Gilbertsville, Pa./Archbishop Carroll
Lou Scala* C.W. Post Sr. Coram, N.Y./Longwood
Mark Kahlil Smith Shippensburg Jr. Wynnewood, Pa./Lower Merion
Linebacker
Cody Fleming Shippensburg Jr. Pennsburg, Pa./Upper Perkiomen
Andrew Hodges Kutztown Jr. Ridley, Pa./Ridley
Billy O’Connor^ C.W. Post Sr. Sayville, N.Y./Sayville
Jarrett Pidgeon^ Bloomsburg Jr. Barnegat, N.J./Southern Regional
Defensive Back
Shawnte Carroll East Stroudsburg Sr. Levittown, Pa./Harry S. Truman
Alex Dinolfi Kutztown Jr. Norristown, Pa./Norristown
Tyriq Kershaw Shippensburg So. Media, Pa./Penncrest
Oscar Rivera** Bloomsburg Sr. Bethlehem, Pa./Liberty
Return Specialist
Josh Mastromatto Kutztown Jr. Fort Washington, Pa./Upper Dublin
Punter
Dan Fisher Bloomsburg So. Liverpool, Pa./Central Dauphin
Second Team Offense
Quarterback
Ray Wagner East Stroudsburg Sr. Harrisburg, Pa./Susquehanna
Running Back
Robbie Frey Kutztown Sr. Lehighton, Pa./Lehighton
Marcus Jones* Cheyney So. Washington, D.C./Friendship Collegiate
Jeff Mack C.W. Post So. Bronx, N.Y./Iona Prep
Offensive Tackle
Brandon Allen Bloomsburg Jr. Philadelphia, Pa./Frankford
Chris Faix West Chester Sr. Ivyland, Pa./Council Rock North
Offensive Guard
Chris Restino Shippensburg Jr. Fredericksburg, Va./Riverbend
Seve Rivers East Stroudsburg Jr. Lumberton, N.J./Rancocas Valley
Center
Jon Siopa*^ C.W. Post Sr. Centereach, N.Y./Newfield
Tight End
Patrick Fitzgerald C.W. Post Jr. Asheville, N.C./Tuscola
Wide Receiver
Kyle Fisher Bloomsburg Jr. Denver, Pa./Cocalico
Tim Keyser West Chester So. Garnet Valley, Pa./Garnet Valley
LaRonn Lee West Chester So. Lancaster, Pa./Penn Manor
Placekicker
Taylor Groff East Stroudsburg So. Manheim, Pa./Manheim Central
Second Team Defense
Defensive Line
Danian Green^ Shippensburg So. Glassboro, N.J./Glassboro
Jason Henshaw Kutztown Sr. West Chester, Pa./Henderson
Andrew Jackson C.W. Post Sr. Middletown, N.Y./Burke Catholic
Jake Metz Shippensburg So. Harleysville, Pa./Souderton
Brett Moss Kutztown Sr. Bensalem, Pa./Bensalem
Linebacker
Ronnie Modik C.W. Post Sr. Levittown, N.Y./Island Trees
Mike Pereira West Chester So. Langhorne, Pa./St. Joseph’s Prep
Justin Shirk Bloomsburg Fr. Harrisburg, Pa./Central Dauphin
Brian Sourber Shippensburg Fr. Lancaster, Pa./Manheim Township
Defensive Back
Stan Banks Cheyney Sr. Wilmington, Del./Delaware State
Vince Browning^ Bloomsburg Sr. Harrisburg, Pa./Central Dauphin
Antonio Powell-Fields C.W. Post Jr. Hempstead, N.Y./North Plainfield (N.J.)
Gary Tillman Millersville Sr. Rockville, Md./Richard Montgomery
Return Specialist
Mike Frenette Shippensburg Jr. Carlisle, Pa./Cumberland Valley
Punter
Grayson Laurino C.W. Post Jr. Boise, Idaho/Boise
* Indicates previous All-PSAC first team selection
^ Indicates previous All-PSAC second team selection
PSAC East Offensive Player of the Year
Kevin Morton, QB, Kutztown (Abington, Pa./Abington)
PSAC East Defensive Player of the Year
Tim Hume, DL, Cheyney (Harrisburg, Pa./Susquehanna)
PSAC East Freshman of the Year
Steven Laurino, QB, C.W. Post (Boise, Idaho/Boise)
PSAC East Coach of the Year
Raymond Monica, Kutztown
