Schuylkill CountyFootball Scholar Athletes Named
The 2022-2023 Schuylkill County Football Scholar Athletes have been named.
Every school year, the Schuylkill Chapter No. 25 of the National Football Foundation and College Hall of Fame holds their annual scholar athlete banquet. This year's list marks the 62nd anniversary of the Schuylkill Chapter 25 Scholar Athlete program.
Each school district was instructed to select their athlete based on the criteria of outstanding football ability and performance, outstanding academic application and performance, and outstanding school leadership and citizenship.
These athletes will be recognized at a banquet ceremony to be held on Sunday, February 26th, 5:00 PM at the Schuylkill Intermediate Unit #29, MarLin, PA.
The following are the Schuylkill County athletes that were chosen from each the 14 school districts that would have been recognized at the banquet.
Blue Mountain - Derek Walasavage
5’9, 165 lbs - Safety, WR, QB - 4 Year Member, 4 Year Letterman, 3 Year Starter
Bio: Derek Walasavage was an all-purpose athlete for the Eagles, filling up the stat sheet on both sides of the football. A two-time team captain and Iron Eagle Award Winner, Walasavage accounted for a rushing touchdown, a passing touchdown, and a receiving touchdown in his Blue Mountain career with 384 all-purpose yards. Derek’s defensive stats include 123 career tackles, 2 fumble recoveries, and an interception.
For his football skills, he was awarded Defensive Player of the Game honors against Tamaqua, and Max Preps Player of the Game honors against North Schuylkill. Derek is a strong performer in the classroom, ranking 2nd in his class of 204 students. He boasts a perfect 800 SAT Mathematics score and a 4.50 weighted GPA. He is currently enrolled in AP Classes in Statistics, Modern History, Calculus, Physics, Art History, American Government, and Political Science. He has been inducted in multiple honor societies including the National Honor Society and the Science, English, Social Studies, Phi Sigma, and Mathematics Honor Societies. Derek is a multi-sport athlete, also playing on the basketball team and the 2022 Schuylkill League Champion baseball team.
An active member in his community, he has volunteered with Jason B. Jones Memorial Day of Caring, The United Way, Youth Camp, and Church projects.
Derek’s future plans include attending college to study Business Analytics.
He is the son of Dave and Michelle Walasavage.
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Mahanoy Area - Benjamin Manley
6’2, 220 lbs. - LB, RB, QB, Corner, Safety - 4 Year Member, 4 Year Letterman, 4 Year Starter
Bio: Benjamin Manley compiled a stellar football career for the Golden Bears. Voted a 2-time captain, he played multiple positions on both sides of the football. Offensively, the 2,525-yard career rusher and 549-yard career passer scored 31 total touchdowns in his high school career. Defensively, he amassed 318 career tackles - 115 in just his senior year.
For his football efforts, he was awarded SCFCA North 1st Team Linebacker Honors, Republican-Herald 2nd team Linebacker honors, and Standard Speaker All Area during his Sophomore Year. During his Junior Year, he was voted SCFCA North 1st Team Linebacker, SCFCA Dream Team Linebacker, Republican Herald 1st Team Linebacker, SCFCA North 2nd Team Fullback, and Standard Speaker Most Versatile Player. Benjamin’s stellar senior year gained him SCFCA and Republican Herald Defensive Player of the Year honors. He was also selected to the SCFCA’s Dream Team as an Athlete, and the SCFCA North’s First Team squads on both Offense and Defense. He was a Standard Speaker 1st Team Linebacker. Additionally, he is a Maxwell Club Mini Max award winner, a PA Football Writers Class A 1st Team All State Linebacker and a PA Football News Coaches Select 1st Team All State Linebacker. EasternPAFootball.com honored him with a 1st Team Linebacker selection, and WNEP voted him a Super 16 Dream Team Linebacker. Benjamin also played basketball and track and field for the Golden Bears. Academically, Manley is ranked 2nd in his class of 68 students with a 4.02 GPA. He is currently taking AP classes in History, Calculus, Literature, Chemistry, and Computer Science. He has been inducted in the National Honor Society and participates in multiple school clubs including Theatre Arts, Math Team, Diversity Club, FBLA, and the Schuylkill County Drug and Alcohol Jr Advisory Board. Benjamin is Mahanoy Area’s Senior Class President. He volunteers with multiple organizations including Meals on Wheels, Community Clean Up, Christ Lutheran Church, and the Special Olympics.
His future plans include attending college to study Engineering.
He is the son of David and Erin Manley.
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Marian Catholic - Matthew Martin
5’11, 212 lbs - FB, RB, LB - 3 Year Member, 3 Year Letterman, 3 Year Starter
Bio: Matthew Martin led the Marian Colts as team captain and the pacesetter on the offensive and defensive sides of the football. He compiled a career 1,950 total yards as a running back, with 19 total touchdowns. He also shined defensively during his Colts career, with 254 total tackles with 28 tackles for loss, 8 forced fumbles, and 1 interception.
For his football efforts, he was named Times News Athlete of the week, Republican Herald 2nd team RB, Standard Speaker 1st team RB/LB, Times News 1st Team RB, SCFCA North All-Star RB, and Class A All Eastern PA Football RB during his Junior Year. During his Senior Year, Matthew was named Standard Speaker Athlete of the Week, and SCFCA North 2nd Team RB/LB. He was also selected to the Republican Herald Honorable Mention squad as a Running Back. He is a Maxwell club Mini Max award winner. A multi-sport athlete, he also participated on the Baseball and Wrestling teams. Matthew is currently ranked in the top 40% of his class. He has completed dual enrollment courses, English and Psychology. A high honors student, he also participates in school clubs including SADD, Catholic Athletes for Christ, and was named Senior Class Vice President. Matthew is active in his community, serving in projects with the Frackville American Legion, the Food Pantry, Local Park Cleanup, and the Men of Marian Picnic.
Matthew holds multiple college acceptances with scholarships, he plans to attend college to major in Physics/Biochemistry.
He is the son of Paul and Thelma Martin.
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Minersville Area - Raymond Snyder Jr.
5’8, 150 lbs - CB, WR, Kick Returner - 3 Year Member, 3 Year Letterman, 3 Year Starter
Bio: Team Captain Raymond Snyder was a leader of the Miners receiving corps and defensive backs. A deep threat in the passing game, he holds the record for the 3 longest touchdown receptions in Minersville area history. In week 4 of his senior year, he had the longest reception in the state of Pennsylvania. Snyder paced the speedy Miners squad to 1st place in the United Way 40 yard shuttle competition during the 2022 pre-season.
He was also selected for the SCFCA South team as a 2nd Team defensive back, and a PA Football News 1st Team 1A All State DB selection. Snyder is a multiple sport athlete, participating on the Baseball, Track and Field, Basketball, and Cross Country teams. Academically, Snyder is ranked 3rd in his class of 75 students with a 105.07 weighted GPA. A Distinguished Honor Roll student and winner of the Outstanding Academic Achievement award, he is currently enrolled in AP Calculus and AP Biology classes. He is also the winner of the 2022 Excellence in German Language award. He has been selected for the National Honor Society and participates on the Student Council, Prom Committee, and was voted a Senior Class Officer. Snyder volunteers with the SPCA, Minersville Youth Basketball, WNEP Go Joe, and is a Youth Football Coach.
His future plans include attending college to major in Engineering.
He is the son of Raymond Snyder Sr. and Marcella Yakatis.
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Nativity BVM - Kyle Kenton
6’0, 210 lbs - OL, DL, LB - 4 Year Member, 3 Year Letterman, 3 Year Starter
Bio: Lineman and team captain Kyle Kenton anchored the Green Wave on both sides of the football. Kenton started for three years for Nativity, contributing 57 Tackles, 1 Sack, and 3 Tackles for loss during his career.
His football statistics gained him recognition as the Pottsville Lions MVP, as well as recognition from PA Football News on the All-Academic Silver Team in 2020, 2021, and 2022. His senior year, he was selected to the Republican Herald Honorable Mention Team as an offensive lineman. He was also selected to the 2022 SCFCA South squad’s second team as an offensive lineman. Academically, Kenton is a distinguished honors student who is ranked in the top 25% of his class. Kyle’s curriculum includes multiple AP Classes - Literature, Language, Calculus, and Biology. He was inducted to the National Honors Society for his academic efforts. In the community, Kenton volunteers his time helping with childcare duties and helping the elderly in his neighborhood.
His future plans include attending college to major in Mechanical Engineering.
Kyle is the son of Richard Kenton and Eileen Kissling.
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North Schuylkill - Steven Davis Jr.
6’1 1/2, 265 lbs. - OL, DL - 4 Year Member, 4 Year Letterman, 4 Year Starter
Bio: Steven Davis led the way on the offensive and defense lines, skyrocketing the Spartans to 4 straight District XI championship appearances and 2 victories during his high school career. The senior year captain and captain during the annual Schuylkill County All-Star game, Davis compiled 82 solo and 100 assisted tackles for a combined 182 total tackles during his Spartan career. 55 of these tackles were for a loss. He also was able to sack the quarterback 14 times, with 6 forced fumbles, 4 fumble recoveries, 1 interception, and was able to score 1 defensive touchdown during his Spartan career.
He was awarded to the SCFCA Dream Teams in 2020, 2021, and 2022 for offense and defense, with first team selections for the North defensive team during each of these seasons and 1st team selections for the offensive team during the 2022 season. The Republican Herald honored his defensive play with 1st team Defense honors during the 2020, 2021, and 2022 seasons. Davis was also a member of this year’s PA Football News Class AAA 1st Team All State, as well as EasternPAFootball.com's Class 3A 2nd Team as a defensive lineman. Davis is also a member of the Track and Field team. A 3.8 GPA student, Davis is ranked in the top 25% of his class. For his academic achievement, he was inducted to the National Honors Society and is a 4 time All-Academic Team member. Davis has volunteered through various projects with the Eureka Park, through Ringtown Elementary, and with North Schuylkill Elementary school.
His future plans include attending college where he plans on studying Business.
He is the son of Steven and Jessica Davis.
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Panther Valley - David McAndrew III
6’0, 170 lbs - WR, Safety, FB - 4 Year Member, 3 Year Letterman, 3 Year Starter
Bio: Starting for 3 years, the two-time team captain David McAndrew III was a key contributor on the Panther Valley squad.
McAndrew was recognized for his football abilities as the recipient of the Schuylkill-Colonial League Sportsmanship Award. He was also awarded to the All Academic Gold Team, and received the Richard Zabroski Memorial Award. A multi-sport athlete, he contributed to District 11 championships as a member of the Baseball and Basketball teams, as well as participated on the Track and Field and Soccer teams. Also a strong leader in the classroom, McAndrew is ranked 2nd in his class of 105 students with a 4.17 weighted GPA. He is enrolled in multiple AP classes, including Chemistry, Literature, Calculus, Computer Science, and US History. For his academic effort, he was inducted to the National Honors Society, which he holds the office of Vice President. He participates in a number of school activities including Envirothon, School Newspaper, Technology Club, and Engineering Club. He is also his class Vice President. In the community, McAndrew volunteers as a Junior Firefighter.
His future plans include enrolling in college to study International Business.
David is the son of David and Delores McAndrew.
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Pine Grove Area - Carter Raudabaugh
5’10, 265 lbs - OL, DL - 4 Year Member, 3 Year Letterman, 3 Year Starter
Bio: The only senior on an offensive line which paved the way for a 1,000 yard rusher, Carter Raudabaugh guided the Cardinals as a team captain. As the leader of the offensive line, he also helped the Cardinals rushers score 18 rushing touchdowns and allowed only 11 quarterback sacks. His effort on the offensive and defensive line allowed the Cardinals to participate in the Eastern Conference championship game his senior year.
For his efforts on the field, he was awarded to the PA Football News All Academic Silver Team. He was also selected to the SCFCA South’s 2nd Team as an Offensive Lineman. Raudabaugh also participated on the Track and Field Team during his tenure at Pine Grove Area. Academically, he ranks in the top 1/3 of his class. At school, he participates as a member of FBLA, Varsity Club, and SADD. He was elected as the Secretary of his class and is a member of Student Council.
In the community, Raudabaugh volunteers his time with a community car wash to benefit the homeless shelter.
His future plans include enrolling in a trade school.
He is the son of Donna Mederios, Jeff Radabaugh, and Paul Mederios.
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Pottsville Area - Tejay Allen
6’0, 170 - QB, Safety - 4 Year Member, 3 Year Letterman, 3 Year Starter
Bio: A captain for the Crimson Tide, Tejay Allen led Pottsville to an Eastern Conference Championship his senior year, and the Schuylkill-Colonial League Co-Championship his sophomore year. As senior quarterback, he threw for 1,026 yards, contributed 336 yards rushing, and had 12 combined touchdowns. Defensively, he amassed 65 career tackles and 7 career interceptions, leading the team in the interception category his junior and senior year.
His senior year, he was selected to the Republican Herald’s 2nd Team Defense as a defensive back. He was also selected to the SCFCA South 1st Team Defense as a Defensive Back. A multi-sport athlete, Tejay helped the Tide win a Schuylkill League and District 11 basketball championship his junior year. Academically, Allen is ranked 17th in a class of 191 students with a 4.008 GPA. For his academic effort, he was inducted into the National Honors Society and the German National Honor Society. He also participates in the TKD and Key Club at school.
Tejay participates in service opportunities through these school clubs, delivering holiday food baskets to the less fortunate and cleaning up the community around his school.
He is the son of John and Serenity Allen.
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Schuylkill Haven - Ryan Sisko
5’10, 150 - Center, LB - 4 Year Member, 4 Year Letterman, 4 Year Starter
Bio: Ryan Sisko was a 4-year starter at linebacker and a 3-year starter on the offensive line for the Hurricanes. Ryan contributed 64 career tackles for Schuylkill Haven, 8 for loss. A dependable and reliable teammate, he was voted as a team captain his senior year. Ryan was also a key contributor and member of the 2021 District XI and state champion Haven Hurricane baseball team, a varsity member for 4 years. Ryan also participates on his high school swim team.
Academically, Ryan ranks in the top 40% of his class. He is enrolled in a strong curriculum which includes AP Government, an Emerging Healthcare professional's curriculum, and a dual enrollment class in Sociology.
He participates in multiple community service opportunities, including the Red Cross Blood Drive, the Salvation Army, Geisinger St. Luke’s Hospital, Schuylkill Haven Borough Clean Up, and through Redner’s Market.
Ryan was awarded a Trustees Scholarship and plans to attend Alvernia University for his Bachelor's of Science in Nursing.
He is the son of Christopher Sisko and Christine Joy.
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Shenandoah Valley - Zachary Slater
5’9, 185 lbs - WR, OL, LB - 4 Year Member, 2 Year Letterman, 3 Year Starter
Bio: Zachary played multiple positions during his 4 years at Shenandoah Valley, contributing at Wide Receiver, Offensive Line, and Linebacker. He overcame a season ending injury his junior year to be named a senior year captain. He contributed most notably on the defensive side of the football, recording 19 solo tackles, 29 assisted tackles, 2.5 sacks, and 1 interception in his Blue Devil career. His defensive statistics gained him recognition as the Defensive Player of the Game against Marian Catholic. He was also a contributor on special teams, gaining Player of the Game honors against Hancock High School.
A multi-sport athlete, Zachary qualified for Districts as a member of the Track and Field Team. In the classroom, He is ranked in the top 25% of his class with a 3.74 GPA. A Superior Honors student, his curriculum includes honors classes in Biology and Anatomy. He has also completed five dual enrollment courses during his time at SVHS.
Zachary volunteers as a member of the Drama club, through contributions at annual block parties, and during Shenandoah’s Kielbasa Fest.
His future plans include attending college to study Business Management, Sports Management, or Accounting.
He is the son of Gordon Slater and Lorrie Lipsett.
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Tamaqua Area - Joshua Shelton
6’1, 250 lbs - OL, DL - 4 Year Member, 4 Year Letterman, 4 Year Starter
Bio: Joshua Shelton played on the offensive and defensive lines for the Blue Raiders. He was a three-year starter and letterwinner.
Shelton was voted team captain during his senior year. He helped lead the way for Raider rushers on teams that qualified for the District 11 playoffs in all of his three years.
Ranked in the top 1/3 of his class, Shelton’s interests and work experience include construction and lifting weights.
He volunteers in his community by giving back to youth sports as a coach of the Lehigh Valley Bucks youth all-star team.
His future plans include attending Thaddeus Stevens College of Technology, where he plans to study HVAC.
He is the son of Jamie and JoLynn Shelton.
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Tri-Valley - Kameron Wetzel
5’10, 175 lbs - RB, DB - 4 Year Member, 4 Year Letterman, 4 Year Starter
Bio: Team captain Kameron Wetzel led Tri-Valley as a two-way player with multiple football honors to cap his Bulldog career. On the offensive side of the football, Wetzel ran for 2,235 yards and scored 28 rushing touchdowns in his career. He also contributed with 12 career catches, 279 receiving yards, and 4 receiving touchdowns. On defense, he compiled 116 career tackles, 1 interception, and 3 fumble recoveries.
His football skills gained him recognition from the Pottsville Republican Herald for 1st Team offense, 2nd Team defense. He was also named as a T-102 Player of the Game. During his senior year, he was honored to the 2nd Team Republican Herald Offensive squad, and was voted to the SCFCA South’s 2nd Team squads for both offense and defense. A multi-sport athlete, Kameron gained recognition as a 1st team all county infielder for the baseball team.
He is a distinguished honor’s student who holds a 100.0 Weighted GPA, ranking him in the top 25% of his class. He has completed AP Classes in World Geography, and is enrolled in dual enrollment courses through LCCC.
He was inducted to the National Honors Society for his academic achievements. He is a member of school clubs, including Athletes for Christ and the Tri-Valley FFA.
Kameron volunteers through church projects at Friedens UCC, Hegins.
His future plans include pursuing a degree in Physical Therapy at Lebanon Valley College, where he accepted an academic scholarship.
Kameron is the son of Krista and Kris Wetzel.
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Williams Valley - Logan Williard
5’9, 190 lbs - FB, LB - 4 Year Member, 4 Year Letterman, 3 Year Starter
Bio: Senior captain Logan Williard was the offensive and defensive leader of the Vikings, starting each of his 4 years and contributing to 3 District XI Championships.
In 2020, Logan was selected to the PA Football Writers Class A 1st Team All State as a punt returner and linebacker. He was also selected to the SCFCA South team as a linebacker, was voted 4th Down Magazine’s player of the week, and was selected as a T-102 Player of the Game.
After an injury shortened 2021 season, he was selected as a member of the AP Class A All-State team, was a selected to the SCFCA South team, was selected to the 4th Down Magazine’s player of the week and was a T-102 player of the game. In 2022, he was selected as Mr. Viking, as well as the 4th Down Magazine Player of the Week.
His senior year also gained him recognition to the SCFCA South 1st Team as a linebacker. Logan is also a key member of the Viking baseball team.
Academically, Logan ranks in the top 30% of his class. He belongs to multiple school clubs, including Archery, Theatre Arts, Prom committee, and Yearbook club.
Logan volunteers his time as a guest reader at the elementary school, and as an assistant at youth baseball camp.
His future plans include attending college for criminal justice, with goals to be a State Police officer.
He is the son of Gary and Danielle Williard.