2019 Fabulous 22

The scoop: As a star defensive end among Central Catholic’s talented front four, Beatty helped the Vikings win the WPIAL Class 6A title. Has produced a team-best nine sacks to go along with 51 ½ tackles, 10 for losses.

College talk: A consensus top 10 player in the state, Beatty received more than 40 Division I offers before verbally committing to North Carolina. His other finalists were West Virginia, South Carolina and Purdue.

Most memorable moment this season? Holding up the (WPIAL championship) trophy. I had been dreaming of that my entire life. Holding up that trophy awesome, and beating Pine-Richland made it even better.

Favorite class? Trigonometry with Mr. Roche.

Thanksgiving food you must have? Stuffing. Without a doubt.

Who would play you in a movie? (Leonardo) DiCaprio. He’s the G.O.A.T.

Anyone in the world you could invite to Thanksgiving dinner: (U.S. women’s soccer player) Alex Morgan. She’s definitely my celebrity crush.

Career, if not an athlete or coach? Orthodontist.

Favorite person to follow on Twitter? (Teammate) Elliot Donald. He’s always saying something random or funny.

Best player you’ve played against? This year, probably (Pine-Richland’s) Luke Meckler. He’s a game changer.

The scoop: Rated a four-star player and No. 34 offensive tackle in the country by Rivals.com. Two-time Fabulous 22 selection. Didn’t play football as a ninth-grader. Also a talented basketball player, averaging “double double” last season for WPIAL Class 5A champion.

College talk: Made verbal commitment to Notre Dame on Father’s Day of this year. Heavily recruit. Pitt, Penn State, Ohio State, Texas A&M were among his finalists. His brother, Robby, plays basketball at Notre Dame.

Most memorable moment this season? Beating Hampton on their senior night. Because everyone seemed to be doubting us before that game.

Favorite class? Exploratory art. I like doodling a little bit. That’s fun for me.

Thanksgiving food you must have? My grandma’s green bean casserole.

Who would play you in a movie? Matt Damon. I don’t know why but he seems like someone who could play me.

Anyone in the world you could invite to Thanksgiving dinner: Luke Spiller from the (band) Struts.

Career, if not an athlete or coach? A rollercoaster engineer.

People might be surprised to know that: I like the design and engineering of rollercoasters.

The scoop: Dynamic offensive weapon who caught 49 passes for 635 yards while picking up 347 yards on 34 carries and scoring 22 total touchdowns. Also intercepted four passes on defense.

College talk: Verbally committed to Penn on July 25.

Most memorable moment this season? I would say after losing to Moon. The whole tone kind of shifted. Our team kind of shifted, and from then on, we were just a different team and we started blowing teams out all the way through to the WPIAL championship.

Favorite class? I would have to say calculus.

Thanksgiving food you must have? Definitely mashed potatoes with gravy.

Who would play you in a movie? I would love to have Ryan Reynolds play me.

Anyone in the world you could invite to Thanksgiving dinner: I don’t know. I’d have to go with Beyonce, to be totally honest with you.

Career, if not an athlete or coach? I don’t know. I’m going to school for business, so it’s going to be in that sort of field, but I’m not sure what I want to do.

Best player you’ve played against this year? I would say definitely No. 9 [Chamor Price] from Gateway. Tui Brown was really good, too.

The scoop: One of the better two-way linemen in the WPIAL who played a big role in the Jaguars’ run to a fourth WPIAL championship in the last five years.

College talk: Undecided, but receiving interest from Football Championship Subdivision schools.

Most memorable moment this season? It has to be beating Prep. Beating Prep just felt amazing. We lost to them my freshman year and my sophomore year, so getting after them and winning felt great.

Thanksgiving food you must have? Turkey. Love turkey.

Who would play you in a movie? Any really good-looking actor. I can’t think of anyone right now.

Anyone in the world you could invite to Thanksgiving dinner: I’ve always sort of looked up to James Harrison. He’s an undersized player and I love the way he played.

Career, if not an athlete or coach? I’m looking into being an FBI agent.

People might be surprised to know that: I’m a very picky eater. I only eat like five or six different things — turkey, chicken, steak, pizza, and potatoes.

Best player you’ve played against this year? Belle Vernon’s line was pretty good. I’m going to have to say No. 69 [Hayden Baron] for Belle Vernon. He’s a really good guard. Gotta give props where it’s due.

The scoop: Rated among top 100 juniors in the country by scouting services. Starter since freshman year and a standout offensively and defensively. This year, has rushed for 1,507 yards on 176 carries, caught 36 passes for 547 yards, scored 30 TDs, recorded 42 tackles, two INTs. Has 3,151 career rushing yards, 91 receptions and 65 TDs.

College talk: Has scholarship offers from schools across the country, including Pitt, Penn State, Alabama, Clemson, Ohio State, Notre Dame and Oklahoma. Says he won’t make decision until winter of his senior year.

Most memorable moment this season? Going out of town with the team to 7-on-7 tournaments and just creating that brotherly bond.

Favorite class? Global connections.

Thanksgiving food you must have? Yams, macaroni and cheese and dinner rolls.

Who would play you in a movie? That’s a really good question. I’d have to say Will Smith.

Anyone in the world you could invite to Thanksgiving dinner: LeBron James.

Career, if not an athlete or coach? Something in business and marketing. I like the stock market.

People might be surprised to know that: I like to shop for shoes and clothes.

Favorite person to follow on Twitter? (Comedian) Haha Davis.

Best player you’ve played against? Probably James Williams, a defensive back from Florida in a 7-on-7 game.

The scoop: Has 43 receptions for 940 yards and 20 touchdowns and also seven interceptions for a defense that has given up only 60 points. He and quarterback Shane Stump have teamed up for 40 TDs in their careers. Deabner has 116 career receptions for 2,504 yards.

College talk: Getting interest from FCS schools, including some from the Ivy League and Patriot League.

Most memorable moment this season? [Saturday against Erie Cathedral Prep] by far. That was the best high school football game I’ve ever played in.

Favorite class? Accounting.

Thanksgiving food you must have? Stuffing.

Who would play you in a movie? (Teammate) Bowen Dame. He just knows me pretty well.

Anyone in the world you could invite to Thanksgiving dinner: Definitely Drake. I love him.

Career, if not an athlete or coach? I’d definitely get my CPA in college and pursue a career in business.

People might be surprised to know that: I’m a big Atlanta Falcons fan. I’m not a big Pittsburgh sports fan.

Favorite person to follow on Twitter? (Photographer) Mike Darnay.

Best player you’ve played against? (Former South Fayette star) Mike Trimbur. We went back and forth in the (2018) WPIAL championship game.

The scoop: Donald was a force for Central Catholic’s stingy defense, which has given up 129 points in 13 games and helped the Vikings win the WPIAL Class 6A title. Has produced 34 ½ tackles, 11 for losses, 7 sacks and 2 forced fumbles. Donald’s uncle, Aaron, is the reigning NFL defensive player of the year. Aaron was a Fabulous 22 pick his junior and season seasons at Penn Hills.

College talk: Already has more than a dozen major-college scholarship offers. Pitt, Penn State, Ohio State and LSU are among the schools that have offered.

Most memorable moment this season? Winning the WPIAL championship with my teammates.

Favorite class? Probably physics.

Thanksgiving food you must have? Macaroni and cheese.

Who would play you in a movie? It’s got to be someone big and bulky. I’ll say The Rock.

Anyone in the world you could invite to Thanksgiving dinner: Someone funny. Maybe Mike Epps.

Career, if not an athlete or coach? I’d be a businessman.

Favorite person to follow on Twitter? All of my teammates.

Best player you’ve played against? I have a lot of respect for the Norwin quarterback [Jack Salopek]. He’s pretty good.

The scoop: A defensive leader for a team that made it to a WPIAL championship game for a record 12th consecutive season. Scored four defensive touchdowns this season. Finished with 75 tackles, including 48 unassisted. Had four interceptions and two fumble recoveries. Had two older brothers who were Aliquippa standouts in recent years. Nicknamed “Baby Scoop.”

College talk: Made verbal commitment to Penn State in September. Was heavily recruited. Pitt, Michigan State, Texas A&M and many other colleges also offered scholarships.

Most memorable moment this season? The second round of the playoffs when we beat South Park because everyone was doubting us.

Favorite class? Ceramics

Thanksgiving food you must have? Ham and macaroni and cheese.

Who would play you in a movie? Wesley Snipes.

Anyone in the world you could invite to Thanksgiving dinner: LeBron James.

Career, if not an athlete or coach? Physical therapist.

People might be surprised to know that: I was at first going to commit to Michigan State, but then I chose Penn State.

Favorite person to follow on Twitter? Desi Banks, a comedian.

Best player you’ve played against? Jose Lopez from Middletown last year.

The scoop: One of the WPIAL’s most sought-after recruits in the class of 2021, Ford’s two-way dominance on the offensive and defensive line helped the Highlanders reach the postseason for the first time since 2013.

College talk: Ford has received offers from several Power Five schools, including Pitt, Penn State, West Virginia, Michigan State, Nebraska, Kentucky and Syracuse.

Most memorable moment this season? Playing Bethel Park. A lot of people thought they were going to be one of the best teams in the WPIAL this year. We had a tough loss against them last year, and a lot of people in our school weren’t expecting us to win, but we fought through it and ended up pulling though and winning. And they’re like a rival school.

Favorite class? Math.

Thanksgiving food you must have? I would say yams or ham. One of the two.

Anyone in the world you could invite to Thanksgiving dinner: Kevin Hart.

Career, if not an athlete or coach? I’m not sure. I’ve been thinking about that. Probably like an FBI agent.

People might be surprised to know that: I played running back throughout my whole life until high school. I played up one age group all the time and played running back for them.

The scoop: Wreaked havoc on opposing offenses while leading the Bulldogs to their first City League championship since 1996. Finished the season with 23 ½ sacks, giving him 49 ½ over his final two seasons.

College talk: The most heavily-recruited player from the City League in at least two decades, Made a verbal commitment to Pitt in June. Penn State and Ohio State were among the other schools that offered.

Most memorable moment this season? Winning the City League title.

Favorite class? Math and pre-calculus.

Thanksgiving food you must have? I’m not a big Thanksgiving eater, but I love pumpkin pie.

Anyone in the world you could invite to Thanksgiving dinner: Colin Kaepernick. I’d want to ask him some questions, find out why he did what he did, and how he’s been able to do it.

Career, if not an athlete or coach? I want to be a mayor. I want to make a big impact on the community.

People might be surprised to know that: I think I’m Kawhi Leonard without the jumpshot. I can play really good defense.

Best player you’ve played against? This kid from [University Prep] last season. Damon Macklin. Small, but super fast.

The scoop: Dominant defensive force with more than 69 tackles, 10 sacks, and 16 tackles for loss on the year who also averaged 33.5 yards per punt.

College talk: Has offers from Akron and Dartmouth but is also receiving interest from Power Five schools such as Pitt, West Virginia, Wisconsin, Northwestern and Cincinnati.

Most memorable moment this season? Probably coming back from Penn-Trafford and coming back and beating them, for sure.

Favorite class? I’m going to have to say math. Right now I’m in pre-calc. Every year, I’ve been really good at math. It’s always been one of my favorite subjects.

Thanksgiving food you must have? Mashed potatoes.

Anyone in the world you could invite to Thanksgiving dinner: I’m going to have to Kevin Hart. Or Will Ferrell.

Career, if not an athlete or coach? I wouldn’t mind being an athletic director.

People might be surprised to know that: People might not like this, but I’m a big Ray Lewis fan. I still love the Pittsburgh greats like Jack Lambert. My room is decorated with the Steelers. It’s all painted yellow and black with a bunch of Steelers pictures up there. There’s a James Harrison fathead on my wall, right next to my bed. Every morning, just staring you down.

Favorite person to follow on Twitter? Peters Township football.

The scoop: Set WPIAL single-season rushing record with 3,076 yards on 203 carries. Set regular season touchdown record and finished with 50 TDs (counting playoffs), second-best in WPIAL history. Finished third in WPIAL career yards with 7,102 yards on 715 attempts. Also standout linebacker.

College talk: Jackson is leaning toward making a verbal commitment to West Point. Army wants him as a linebacker.

Most memorable moment this season? Definitely beating California, with all my buddies next to me. It was the first time West Greene beat them in a long time.

Favorite class? Agricultural construction

Thanksgiving food you must have? My grandma’s stuffing.

Who would play you in a movie? This doctor on “Grey’s Anatomy,” Kevin McKidd.

Anyone in the world you could invite to Thanksgiving dinner: Walter Payton or Pat Tillman. I know they’re not alive but I would’ve loved to meet them.

Career, if not an athlete or coach? An architect or serve in the armed forces.

People might be surprised to know that: I want to own a ranch when I grow up.

Favorite person to follow on Twitter? President Trump.

Best player you’ve played against? (Sto-Rox quarterback) Eric Wilson.

The scoop: Jackson is one of the top defensive linemen in the WPIAL and also played offense this year for a team that made it to the WPIAL Class 6A championship. This season, had 56 tackles, 13 for losses, 8 sacks and 3 forced fumbles. Has 24 sacks in two years.

College talk: Jackson has scholarship offers from Akron, Toledo and Bowling Green. But Pitt, Penn State and West Virginia are among Power Five conference schools showing interest.

Most memorable moment this season? Probably when I strip sacked the Canon-McMillan quarterback, scooped up the ball and scored a touchdown.

Favorite class? Science.

Thanksgiving food you must have? Honey baked ham.

Who would play you in a movie? Michael B. Jordan.

Anyone in the world you could invite to Thanksgiving dinner: Kevin Hart, just because I know I’ll get a good laugh.

Career, if not an athlete or coach? Sports management or sports medicine.

People might be surprised to know that: I’m a pretty good piano player. I used to take a class to play the piano.

Favorite person to follow on Twitter? Lamar Jackson (Ravens quarterback).

Best player you’ve played against? Ben Grafton of North Allegheny.

The scoop: Luffey is a three-year starter who is at his best on defense. He was one of the reasons Moon went from a 2-8 season in 2018 to 9-3 this year. Dominated at times, despite being double-teamed often. Had 20 tackles for loss, including 9.5 sacks. Also had one interception and one touchdown.

College talk: Has not made a decision. Luffey visited Rhode Island last weekend and has been to Youngstown State. Robert Morris is also among those who offered a scholarship.

Most memorable moment this season? Just turning our record around from 2-8.

Favorite class? Math.

Thanksgiving food you must have? Turkey and stuffing.

Who would play you in a movie? Jack Black.

Anyone in the world you could invite to Thanksgiving dinner: Aaron Donald.

Career, if not an athlete or coach? I either want to pursue physical therapy or something in the criminal justice field.

People might be surprised to know that: I like to sing and I like to sing old 1970s or 80s rock songs. Motley Crue. Queen. I love them.

Favorite person to follow on Twitter? Probably a lot of people. Let’s say WPIAL Insider.

Best player you’ve played against? Andrew Kristofic when he was at Pine-Richland. He was insane. Him and also Tyler King from Pine-Richland.

The scoop: Had one of the greatest playoff "runs" in WPIAL playoff history. Had three consecutive 200-yard rushing games in quarterfinals, semifinals and championship. In Class 2A title game, had 43 attempts for 291 yards, the most yards in a championship game in at least 40 years. For the season, has 2,230 yards on 275 attempts and 29 touchdowns. Second on team in tackles and also leads with 14 sacks. Also an all-section baseball shortstop the past two seasons.

College talk: Not being recruited for football. Miller says unless a scholarship comes in for football, he will play baseball in college.

Most memorable moment this season? Obviously winning the WPIAL. I’d also say beating McGuffey.

Favorite class? Problems of democracy.

Thanksgiving food you must have? Definitely my mom’s beer batter bread.

Who would play you in a movie? I’d have to find someone crazy. Leonardo DiCaprio.

Anyone in the world you could invite to Thanksgiving dinner: If I could bring back Lou Gehrig. And “Shoeless” Joe Jackson.

Career, if not an athlete or coach? A stockbroker.

People might be surprised to know that: My dad and two uncles were college scholarship athletes.

Favorite person to follow on Twitter? Jonathan Abram of the Oakland Raiders.

Best player you’ve played against? Between (Shady Side Academy’s) Skyy Moore and (Steel Valley’s) Todd Hill last year.

The scoop: A three-year starter who developed into one of the best linemen in the WPIAL this season. At his best on offense. All-conference as a junior and senior. Was dominating at times for a Mt. Lebanon a team that made the semifinals in WPIAL Class 6A.

College talk: Has the size, strength and talent to be an FBS college player, but will most likely go to a junior college first. Lackawanna College in Scranton is a possibility. Mt. Lebanon coach Bob Palko believes Nelson will eventually be a Power Five conference recruit.

Most memorable moment this season? Easily winning the Upper St. Clair game.

Favorite class? History

Thanksgiving food you must have? Stuffing.

Who would play you in a movie? Whoever the person is who played (football player) Michel Oher in the “Blind Side” movie.

Anyone in the world you could invite to Thanksgiving dinner: Probably LeBron James. He’s the GOAT, in my opinion.

Career, if not an athlete or coach? I’d like to go into marketing.

People might be surprised to know that: I sew. I make these blankets with my mom.

Favorite person to follow on Twitter? College GameDay.

Best player you’ve played against? Phil Jurkovec when he was at Pine-Richland.

The scoop: Three-year starter who passed for 2,231 yards and 16 touchdowns in 2019 to go with 6,126 yards and 40 touchdowns for his career.

College talk: Verbally committed to Western Michigan on May 16.

Most memorable moment this season? I would probably have to say the last game. Just because since we knew we weren’t advancing in the playoffs. All the emotions going into the last game was pretty cool and getting to go out there one last time with all my best friends and the seniors was a really cool feeling.

Thanksgiving food you must have? I would say mashed potatoes. I’m a big mashed potatoes guy.

Anyone in the world you could invite to Thanksgiving dinner: I would have to say Brett Favre. He’s my favorite football player ever and always seems like a fun dude to hang around.

People might be surprised to know that: Probably that I spend as much time hunting in the woods as I do working on football once football season is over.

Best player you’ve played against this year? I would have to say Elliot Donald was one who stuck out to me the most, just how quick he was at the line with his size and his speed and being effective in pass rushing and run defense as well. It was impressive.

The scoop: Snowden’s standout two-way play helped University Prep go 8-3 and reach the City League championship game. He rushed for 1,267 yards (averaging 7.2 yards per carry) and scored 19 touchdowns. Defensively, he registered 110 tackles and two sacks.

College talk: Akron was the first school to offer Snowden and he rewarded the Zips by committing their in June. He was recruited to play inside linebacker.

Most memorable moment this season? Beating Farrell, a state championship team from last season, in our very first game.

Favorite class? Math. I’m good with numbers.

Thanksgiving food you must have? My mom’s macaroni and cheese.

Who would play you in a movie? Probably my friend Kenny Pipkins. He knows me the best.

Anyone in the world you could invite to Thanksgiving dinner: I wouldn’t even invite anyone else. I like it just to be family.

Career, if not an athlete or coach? Probably like a trainer. I like working out.

People might be surprised to know that: I’m just a joyful person.

Favorite person to follow on Twitter? Akron coaches. They gave me my first shot.

Best player you’ve played against? (Westinghouse’s) Dayon Hayes.

The scoop: Developed into a top QB this year, completing 214 of 315 for 2,994 yards and 36 touchdowns in 12 games. Has thrown for 4,453 yards and rushed for 1,177 yards in two years.

College talk: Spencer made a verbal commitment last week to the University of Pennsylvania – for wrestling. Spencer is one of the WPIAL’s top wrestlers.

Most memorable moment this season? Mercy ruling North Allegheny in the WPIAL semis.

Favorite class? I’ve always been a math guy. I’m a business guy. I’m going to The Wharton School of business at Penn.

Thanksgiving food you must have? It’s so underrated but the mix of turkey and cranberry sauce.

Who would play you in a movie? Sunshine from “Remember The Titans.”

Anyone in the world you could invite to Thanksgiving dinner: That has to be (Post-Gazette reporter) Mike White. We can have some good conversations with him.

Career, if not an athlete or coach? A businessman.

People might be surprised to know that: I was born in Berlin, Germany. And I don’t like doughnuts.

Favorite person to follow on Twitter? I’m not on Twitter much, but Barstool Sports.

Best player you’ve played against? Nolan Smith (from IMG in Florida) last year. He’s going to win Super Bowls someday.

The scoop: Started three WPIAL championship games. This season, completed 116 of 205 for 2,377 yards and 32 TDs and also has rushed for 502 yards on 59 carries. Has 5,680 career passing yards and 78 TD passes. Also having a breakout season at safety.

College talk: FCS schools are showing interest, including Ivy League and Patriot League programs.

Most memorable moment this season? Winning the WPIAL championship down at Heinz, walking off the field and hugging my dad and sister.

Favorite class? Physics. My teacher, Mr. Merklin, is awesome.

Thanksgiving food you must have? Leftovers. I love making leftover ham sandwiches.

Who would play you in a movie? (Teammate) Jake Pugh would make a really good Shane. Everyone calls him “Mini Me.”

Anyone in the world you could invite to Thanksgiving dinner: Honestly, JuJu (Smith-Schuster) would be good.

Career, if not an athlete or coach? I’m going to study business, so probably something in that realm.

People might be surprised to know that: I listen to an absolute ton of country music.

Best player you’ve played against? Matt Bauer my sophomore year. He was a middle linebacker at Erie Prep.

The scoop: Three-year starter who played in two WPIAL championship games and is one of only three players in WPIAL history with more than 6,000 career passing yards and 2,000 career rushing yards. Scored 47 total touchdowns this season and 125 for his career.

College talk: Undecided, but several small schools are showing interest.

Thanksgiving food you must have? [My grandma’s] homemade noodles. She makes those from scratch. That’s for Thanksgiving. But I’ll do you one better. For Christmas — this is the Italian in me coming out — her and my grandpa make homemade ravioli.

Who would play you in a movie? I can’t even think of an actor who looks like me … who was the actor who was in Die Hard? Bruce Willis. I love him.

Career, if not an athlete or coach? I want to go to medical school and I want to be a medical pathologist — a doctor who works in the field of pathology, specifically working in cellular pathology.

People might be surprised to know that: I actually built my own PC from scratch. It took me a long time. I actually got my hands on this old gaming laptop from 2007 and I was able to restore it and sell it to this company in Germany.

The scoop: One of the top quarterbacks in the WPIAL, Wilson completed 211 of 367 passes for a WPIAL-high 3,288 yards and 30 touchdowns. Helped the Vikings reach the WPIAL Class 1A final, where they lost to Clairton. Became only the sixth quarterback in WPIAL history to surpass 8,000 career passing yards, finishing with 8,008.

College talk: Some MAC schools are showing interest. Also has a few offers from FCS and Division II schools.

Most memorable moment this season? Beating Jeannette in the first round of the playoffs on our field.

Favorite class? History.

Thanksgiving food you must have? Stuffing.

Who would play you in a movie? Michael B. Jordan.

Anyone in the world you could invite to Thanksgiving dinner: Deshaun Watson.

Career, if not an athlete or coach? I want to travel the world, be one of those guys who travel the world and learn about different cultures.

People might be surprised to know that: I’m a man of God.

Favorite person to follow on Twitter? I would have to say Jalen Hurts

Best player you’ve played against? (West Greene’s) Ben Jackson. He was even better than he looked on tape. He’s really good.