A-K Valley football Q&A with Highlands QB Seth Cohen

By: HSSN Staff
Wednesday, September 13, 2017 | 6:21 PM

Highlands football historians are still thumbing through 50 years of football records to identify the record junior quarterback Seth Cohen might have set in last Friday’s seven-touchdown performance in the Rams’ bittersweet 48-47 double-overtime loss to New Castle.

Those historians are still searching, as it has become increasingly certain that Cohen indeed set a new record for passing touchdowns.

The one thing the Rams’ faithful can take to the bank is that Cohen broke the passing yards per game record by going 14 of 32 for 412 yards. He broke Mike Lanosky’s single-game passing record of 329 yards set in 2009, which also came in a loss, and ironically enough, to rival Knoch, whom the Rams will welcome to Golden Rams Stadium on Friday for a Northwest Nine matchup.

“It didn’t (surprise me) because he’s done well for us in practice, scrimmages and against Ambridge (in Week 1),” Highlands coach Dom Girardi said. “One of Seth’s advantages, and you saw it Friday night, is his arm strength. I think his composure helped him perform the way he did, and I attribute most of his success to that.”

Cohen’s performance last week has him tied for 11th in the WPIAL in the overall passing yardage category with 527 through two weeks. His touchdown outburst puts him in some pretty good company also.

The 6-foot-1, 190-pound junior is tied for second in the WPIAL with eight touchdowns and one off the leader: Pine-Richland standout Phil Jurkovec.

“I’ve noticed some more things since he has become the starter,” Girardi said. “I could hear him being a vocal leader on the sidelines and in the huddle.”

What drew you to the quarterback position?

I’ve always just played quarterback from the beginning like during front-yard football. I’ve always just been the one to throw.

Did you ever think you’d throw seven touchdowns in one game?

No. I never thought I’d throw that many.

How did your arm feel Saturday morning?

Pretty sore.

What was it like to have a great game like that but lose?

It was very emotional for me. The final goal is to always win but felt it pretty good after I took everything in.

Is it safe too say that you’ve settled into coach Girardi’s new offense?

Yeah. It helps me out more because I’m throwing, and it highlights my receivers.

How much more can fans expect from the new offense?

We just keep progressing every week. We’re a great team.

Knoch seems to have given Highlands problems in the past; how big is Friday’s game?

It’s a big game, it’s a rivalry. It’s been awhile since we beat them.

Which conference game do you have circled on your schedule?

Just looking forward to the next game every week and trying to get that “W.”

Four teams from the Northwest Nine make the postseason. What does Highlands need to do to finish in the top four?

If we keep playing to our full potential, we’ll be up there.

Why do you wear No. 14?

I used to be No. 20, then in middle school they didn’t have 20, so they gave me 14.

Who is your favorite football player?

Ben Roethlisberger. I’ve always been a fan of him since I was younger.

What are your favorite college and NFL football teams?

Penn State and the Steelers.

What’s your nickname?

I didn’t get one this year but last year (with former coach Sam) Albert, it was “Condor.”

Who has the best nickname on the team?

Cam Taylor. We call him “Duck” because he always ducks his head.

William Whalen is a freelance writer.

Tags: Highlands