A-K Valley football players to watch in 2022 Week 4

By:
Wednesday, September 21, 2022 | 7:58 PM


Gavin Croney

Freeport, sr., QB/DB

The first-year starter at QB has shown his ability to both run and pass for the Yellowjackets (3-1). He has thrown for 267 yards and five touchdowns and also has carried 27 times for 132 yards and two scores. He will attempt to lead Freeport to victory in a bounce-back game against Mt. Pleasant.

Gage Johnston

Apollo-Ridge, sr., QB/TE/SS

Johnston has had his offensive duties shifted the past couple of games after a leg injury to starting QB Karter Schrock. Johnston completed 7 of 14 passes for 98 yards in last week’s loss to Ligonier Valley. He will be back in the spotlight at Derry as Apollo-Ridge attempts to get back in the win column after consecutive setbacks.

Daniel Long

Highlands, sr., DE

At 6-foot-2 and 230 pounds, Long has been a difference-maker along the defensive line for the undefeated Golden Rams. He recorded two sacks in last week’s statement win over North Catholic. He has four sacks, 19 tackles, a fumble recovery and an interception on the season. He hopes to again be a factor Friday in a Greater Allegheny Conference game at Indiana.

Kaden Thomas

Plum, sr., WR/LB

The 6-foot, 190-pound multi-year starter again is among the top tacklers for the Mustangs. He has 27 through four games. In last Friday’s 42-13 victory over Norwin, Thomas recorded 21/2 sacks among his six total tackles, giving him 51/2 sacks for the season. Offensively, he caught four passes for 23 yards and a touchdown.

Michael Love is a TribLive reporter covering sports in the Alle-Kiski Valley and the eastern suburbs of Pittsburgh. A Clearfield native and a graduate of Westminster (Pa.), he joined the Trib in 2002 after spending five years at the Clearfield Progress. He can be reached at mlove@triblive.com.

Tags: , , ,

More Football

Trib HSSN high school football team of the week for Nov. 4, 2024
This week on Trib HSSN for week of Nov. 4, 2024
Trib HSSN football player of the week for Nov. 3, 2024
Penn Hills part of deep, talented WPIAL Class 5A playoff field
High school roundup for Nov. 2, 2024: Jaivin Peel powers Western Beaver in playoff win