Westmoreland County high school football notebook: Latrobe senior making impact

By: Bill Beckner Jr.
Thursday, October 12, 2023 | 11:01 AM

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There has been plenty of buzz in Latrobe about a promising junior class that includes players such as running back/linebacker Alex Tatsch and quarterback/safety John Wetzel.

But a senior might be the glue this promising team needs.

Ja’Tawn Williams is having a terrific season in all three phases of the game for the Wildcats (5-2), who are seeking a return to the WPIAL Class 4A playoffs.

He has had an impact in every game while frequenting the end zone. Consider:

• Williams has 24 receptions for 536 yards and seven touchdowns.

• He has three interceptions, two of which he has returned for touchdowns.

• He has a 99-yard kickoff return score.

The 6-foot-1, 170-pound Williams, who had three TD catches last week against Ringgold, has four scoring grabs of at least 35 yards, including a 68-yard bomb from Wetzel.

Sometimes, coaches are surprised when teams don’t double-team him on routes or when they kick to him.

Latrobe coach Ron Prady said Williams is “one of the most likable kids you’ll ever meet” and is well respected throughout the team.

“Ja’Tawn is deceivingly quick, is elusive with the ball in his hands and does a great job of getting open,” Prady said. “Probably his greatest improvement has come on defense, particularly his tackling. He has always had the coverage abilities to play corner, but he is a much more physical tackler on that side of the ball.”

Prady said Williams is a stronger believer in his own capabilities this season.

“He’s always had great ball skills and the ability to go get it,” the coach said, “but his confidence has grown, and he’s an extremely explosive player.”

Road trip

Jeannette second-year coach Tommy Paulone has found a delicate balance in leading the Jayhawks and working his job.

When people say, “living the dream,” they are often being sarcastic. But Paulone might mean it.

He is the director of operations for M. Davis Group and is a licensed auctioneer with the firm, which auctions off equipment from departing or moving consumer-based goods companies around the country.

When plants close, M Davis Group, which is headquartered in Swissvale, surveys the machinery. Paulone often makes the trip to eyeball the situation, make a report and begin the selling-off process.

Out-of-state trips during football season have become common and included California and Alabama.

“I flew to Manteca, Calif., at 7 a.m. Saturday morning after a game night,” Paulone said. “I was back for practice Monday at 3 p.m. Took a red-eye Sunday night. I have a great boss, and he understands my schedule. I do a lot of work from home. I make it work.”

Playoffs?

Local teams are beginning to think about WPIAL playoff spots as the season winds into Week 7.

Latrobe (5-2, 3-1) can clinch a spot in Class 4A with a win Friday over Connellsville (4-3, 1-2).

Penn-Trafford (3-4, 2-1) and Franklin Regional (5-2, 2-1) need wins to stay in the race for a berth in the Class 5A Big East Conference.

At worst, they would like to be a wild-card team. Only eight teams qualify in 5A: the top two in the three conferences, and two wild cards.

In 3A, Belle Vernon (5-1, 2-0) will clinch with a win over Mt. Pleasant (5-2, 1-1) and losses by Greensburg Salem (1-6, 0-2) and South Allegheny (1-6, 0-2).

Jeannette (6-1, 3-0) clinches a spot in Class A with a win over rival Greensburg Central Catholic (4-3, 2-1).

Record for Laux

Senior quarterback Braden Laux set a Belle Vernon single-game record for passing yards last week against Greensburg Salem.

Laux threw for 337 yards and three touchdowns — all in the first half — in a 53-7 victory.

The old mark was set by Josh Cramer in 1999.

A tight end recruit for Eastern Michigan, Laux completed 14 of 16 attempts.

For the season, Laux is 57 of 92 for 824 yards and nine TDs.

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

Tags: Derry Area, Franklin Regional, Jeannette, Latrobe, Norwin, Penn-Trafford