Area quarterbacks learn skills, perspective at 5th annual Willie Thrower Award Foundation camp

By: Josh Rizzo
Saturday, May 30, 2026 | 2:23 PM

Previous Next

Skyler Lincoln is unlikely to have a statue of his likeness put up next to the one of Willie Thrower outside of Memorial Stadium at Valley High School. But the Vikings senior quarterback is eager to mold a lasting memory of his time with the program.

Lincoln was one of nearly 75 signal-callers and receivers who attended the fifth annual Willie Thrower Award Foundation quarterback camp Saturday afternoon at Valley.

“It makes me want to create a legacy of my own here,” Lincoln said. “I know I only have one year left here. I have 10 games to do something and make something for myself. I have a lot of good teammates. I know I can create a legacy like Willie did.”

Thrower led New Kensington High School to WPIAL Class AA championships in 1946-47. He later went on to play for Michigan State and the Chicago Bears.

While with the Spartans, Thrower became the first Black quarterback to play in the Big Ten in 1950. When he took the field for the Bears in an October 1953 game, he became the first Black quarterback to take a snap in the modern NFL.

Lincoln started last season as a wide receiver at Valley but eventually made the move to quarterback during the Vikings’ 16-10 loss Oct. 10 at East Allegheny.

Lincoln hopes to help Valley shake free of the rut it has been stuck in. The Vikings’ last won a game Sept. 22, 2023, against Uniontown. Valley has lost 25 consecutive games following a pair of 0-10 campaigns during the previous two seasons.

The Vikings’ offense sputtered out of the gate last season, being shut out three times in four games as they adjusted to having a first-time quarterback. Valley scored only 82 points all season.

Lincoln said he benefited from learning from camp instructor Chad Salisbury. Salisbury, who took over as the head coach at Division II West Liberty (W.Va.), was previously the offensive coordinator at Cal (Pa.).

Salisbury played quarterback collegiately at New Mexico and Buffalo before moving on to a long professional career in the Arena Football League.

“I learned it’s all about trust,” Lincoln said. “You have to trust your teammates and know your speeds.”

Springdale quarterback Jackson Williams appreciated the opportunity to learn from different perspectives. A number of high school coaches attended the event as well.

“It’s great,” Williams said. “I wish more people at my school could do it. It’s great learning from all different kinds of coaches. There were people here from Ellwood City and West Liberty.”

The Dynamos, who are coming off an 0-9 season, are hoping a new offense can provide a spark. Springdale is working on building numbers to fill out the roster.

“I want to stay balanced,” Williams said. “Keep the footwork fluid.”

Williams and Lincoln were joined at the camp by players from Aliquippa, Apollo-Ridge, Armstrong, Burrell, Conemaugh Township, Elizabeth Forward, Ellwood City, Freeport, Greensburg Central Catholic, Hampton, Highlands, Homer-Center, Latrobe, Ligonier Valley, Mapletown, Monessen Mt. Pleasant, North Allegheny, Seneca Valley and Southmoreland.

Lincoln didn’t believe for a long time he was capable of playing quarterback. Getting an opportunity to lead a drive late in the game against East Allegheny unlocked some of his confidence.

He believed he could lead the team to a score and was able to throw a touchdown pass late.

“It was something I always wanted to do,” Lincoln said. “I knew when I went in that I could take us downfield. There was a long time in my life where I thought I can’t do it. I can do it.”

Tags: Springdale, Valley