Linebacker Jamison Yurt leads Penn-Trafford defense with championship goals

By: Paul Schofield
Tuesday, August 19, 2025 | 8:55 PM

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When Jamison Yurt was in eighth grade, he watched from the stands at Hersheypark Stadium as the Penn-Trafford football team pulled off an unexpected victory in the PIAA Class 5A championship game.

Now a senior, Yurt wants to lead the Warriors to their second title.

Yurt, a four-year starter at middle linebacker, said the Warriors are poised for a big season.

“It was unbelievable watching that team,” Yurt said. “I wish I was a year older so I could have been part of it. That team was loaded with talent, but they were able to handle their business.

“We had a great offseason. We worked hard and became a family.”

Yurt led the Warriors with 105 tackles, 41 solo. He also caused two fumbles.

The linebacker corps is the heart of the Penn-Trafford defense. Yurt has senior Lucah Butler by his side in the middle. They are flanked by Landyn Stikkel and senior Nick Laskey on the outside. Butler had 48 tackles and Stikkel 54. As a sophomore, he had 33 tackles.

“Year to year, the linebackers are counted on to lead the defense,” Yurt said. “We want to play physical and set the tone. We must stay mentally and physically sharp.”

Penn-Trafford coach John Ruane said Yurt is a special player.

“He was a unanimous choice to be a team captain, voted on by his teammates,” Ruane said. “He is a great leader. We have a strong linebacker group.

“He’s an old-school type player. He runs downhill, a good blocker and is physical. He runs over players.”

Yurt said he was pleased with the way the team played in a scrimmage against Shaler.

“The defense and offense were productive,” Yurt said. “But there is always room for improvement.”

Yurt will play fullback on offense. His freshman year, he got a start against Gateway and played special teams.

“One of the things I worked on this summer was reading plays better,” Yurt said. “I love studying the defense. It allows me to know everyone else’s job. Our defense works the best when everyone does their job.”

Yurt said he’s looking for big seasons from senior defensive end Jacob Briggs, senior tackle Bryce Ruby, junior tackle Aiden Corbert and senior Aiden Toth.

He said Toth sets the tone of the defensive line.

“The goal this year is to win a state championship,” Yurt said. “Finally, I get to attempt to achieve that goal. That is what our goal has been all summer.”

Paul Schofield is a TribLive reporter covering high school and college sports and local golf. He joined the Trib in 1995 after spending 15 years at the Daily Courier in Connellsville, where he served as sports editor for 14 years. He can be reached at pschofield@triblive.com.

Tags: Penn-Trafford