A-K Valley football Q&A with Deer Lakes’ Josh Solomon
By:
Wednesday, October 18, 2017 | 5:57 PM
Josh Solomon has a strong claim as the smartest running back you've never heard of.
Solomon put the Lancers on his back Friday and led Deer Lakes to its first victory of the season with a 33-0 win over nonconference opponent Laurel.
The 5-foot-10, 170-pounder rushed for 143 yards and scored on runs of 6, 14 and 42 yards.
“He's our bell cow, there's no question about it,” Deer Lakes coach Steve Sciullo said.
“He's our guy, and we're going to ride and die with him.”
Solomon doesn't miss much. He missed just three questions and scored a 1560 on his SAT test this summer.
“This is a kid we're talking about here who is of high intelligence,” Sciullo said.
Sciullo likened Solomon's running style to Steelers running back Le'Veon Bell. He described his “bell cow” as patient and shifty through the hole.
“He has tremendous feet and good vision,” Sciullo said. “He stops and goes and in and out of traffic, his style works for us and we like seeing him have success like (last) Friday night.”
Solomon's brains and talent have turned him into the Swiss Army knife of the Lancers' 4-2-5 defense. Sciullo has the flexibility of lining Solomon up at safety, cornerback and at both inside and outside linebacker spots.
“He's just a smart kid that knows what to do and can play anywhere on the field,” Sciullo said.
When did you begin playing football?
I started playing football when I was in seventh grade.
How did it feel to lead your team to a win over Laurel?
It felt awesome. We hadn't had a win up to that point. It meant a lot to me to know that I could be a part of that with them.
Can you describe the feeling of finally getting in the win column?
It felt amazing just knowing that we were able to get there. All season, I knew that we had the talent to get there, and it was nice to know that we were able to put that talent with hard work and get the win out of it.
What was the bus ride back from Laurel like?
Guys were jumping up and down, talking. It was a really happy bus ride back.
Are the Lancers looking forward to playing spoiler this week against Shady Side Academy?
Most definitely. I know a lot of people are looking at us as a underdog, and I think it is to show (everyone) that we've had the talent all along to go out and win.
Since you play them all, what is your favorite defensive position?
The first position I played on the varsity level was cornerback on the 2015 team, and I got an interception against Valley and I feel comfortable at that position.
Why do you wear No. 13?
I've always just worn it, and it was the first number they gave me when I played youth basketball, so I figured I'd keep it going.
Who is your favorite football player?
I really like Le'Veon Bell. My coach said that my patience in the backfield is comparable to him.
What are your favorite college and NFL football teams?
I'm a big Pitt guy and like to watch Alabama and definitely the Steelers.
What's your nickname?
Sometimes they call me “Juice.”
Who has the best nickname on the team?
Sometimes they call one of our quarterbacks, Aris Hasley, “Little Brady.”
You scored a 1560 on your SATs in June. Are you interested in playing at the next level?
Yeah, I'm interested in it. There's a couple of things that I have to discuss with my family.
William Whalen is a freelance writer.
Tags: Deer Lakes
More High School Football
• 5 things to watch in H.S. football: Will coaches Cherpak, Walker add to trophy collections?• Trib HSSN game-by-game playoff previews for 2024 Week 12
• Through the Years: 87-yard run sparked Freeport to playoff win in ’84
• Westmoreland County high school football notebook: Colleges taking note of Penn-Trafford running back Tasso Whipple
• Coaches from variety of backgrounds come together to lead Jeannette on playoff run
