Latrobe standout Tatsch done for season because of shoulder injury that requires surgery

By: Bill Beckner Jr.
Sunday, October 6, 2024 | 5:24 PM

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Latrobe will play the rest of the football season without its star running back and linebacker.

Alex Tatsch’s high school career is suddenly finished because the senior will have shoulder surgery Monday.

The senior Penn State linebacker commit has missed the last two-and-a-half games with pain in his shoulder, the same shoulder he had surgery on last year to repair a torn labrum.

“He has to get it done immediately,” Latrobe coach Ron Prady said. “It’s really tough for our guys. (Injuries) are part of football. The most important thing is Alex’s health and future. He is a great teammate.”

Latrobe (4-3, 1-3) has lost three of its past four games after a 3-0 start, sinking into a tie for fifth place in the WPIAL Class 5A Big East Conference.

The top three teams in each of the three 5A conferences, and three at-large teams picked by the WPIAL committee, will advance to the playoffs.

The Wildcats have four starters out with injuries.

“Sometimes, (injuries) come in waves,” Prady said. “We have to work together and get through it.”

Tatsch was averaging 12.3 yards per carry. He has 724 yards rushing and eight touchdowns and has 56 tackles — eight for loss — a sack and an interception.

He said having the previous surgery makes the process less daunting.

“Definitely,” Tatsch said. “I know what to expect, and will be able to be more proactive. I will be back stronger than I’ve ever been.”

Latrobe plays at Pine-Richland Friday night in a nonconference game.

Bill Beckner Jr. is a TribLive reporter covering local sports in Westmoreland County. He can be reached at bbeckner@triblive.com.

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