HARRISBURG – On Saturday afternoon, the 15th Annual Mr. PA Football Awards ceremony took place at the Milton Hershey School, Purcell Friendship Hall, where the awards winners were announced. The votes were determined by fans, media members and coaches panel members. The awards are sponsored by SportsRecruiters.com and owner Wayde Marsico.
The day got started when the 3-Star Foundation award was announced. The 3-Star Foundation, Inc. was created to challenge area youth to achieve their fullest potential as individuals and community members by providing opportunities for academic (mind), physical (body), and character growth (soul).
The 3-Star Foundation award went to Venny Brook from Bishop McDevitt. He will attend Carnegie Mellon University.
“I want to thank everyone who made it possible for me to be here today,” said Brook. “I want to thank my family, Coach Weachter and my teammates. They helped me everyday and made it a great day. This sport made me who I am today.”
The 2025 “Mickey Minnich” Legendary Coach Award went to Jim Morgans, who coached at Allentown Central, Salisbury, Bethlehem Freedom and Parkland. Jim won two state titles at Central Catholic and he joins a list of Legendary coaches that have a combined record of 4543 (wins) – 1360 (losses) – 49 (ties).
Jim coached over 30 years and had a career record of 283-137-1. Accepting the award today by her dad’s side, Jim’s daughter KC Morgans, who talked about her legendary dad.
“You may be wondering why a girl is accepting a football award but I sat through every single one of his games since I was a baby so I think I earned it,” said KC Morgans. “I am the youngest of my dad’s seven children and we as a family want to accept this award with my dad.”
Next up were the Lineman awards for Big and Small School Players for the 2024 season. The Big School (4A-6A) Lineman award went to Kahlil Stewart, from St. Joseph’s Prep. Kahlil committed to Syracuse.
The Small School (1A-3A) Lineman award went to Noah Shimko, from Mount Carmel Area . Noah has committed to the University of Maine.
Up next was the Michael Payton Memorial Quarterback Award. The winner for the 2024 season was Stone Saunders from Bishop McDevitt. Saunders is a two-time MaxPreps’ PA Player of the Year. Stone finished his career as the state’s all-time leader in career TD passes (204), completions (781) and passing yards (13,719). He is a Kentucky signee and led the Crusaders to the program’s third PIAA title, and second in three seasons. He completed 227-for-348, 3,577 yards, 48 touchdowns this season.
The Keynote speaker this year was Penn State’s Associate Head Coach Terry Smith. After Smith talked to the audience, it was time to name Mr. PA Football. The awards ceremony culminated with Wayde Marsico announcing the winners of the Big and Small school Mr. PA Football Player of the Year.
The votes were from football fans, high school coaches and media. Each represented a third of the vote. There were over 600 nominations, the players were paired down to the fabulous 50 of each classification and the tremendous 25 and terrific 10.
Now we have our finalist and there were more then 197,000 votes cast this year.
The Small School (1A-3A) players up for the award were Aiden Bliss, Port Allegany, Dayshaun Burnett, Imani Christian Academy, Eli Zimmerman, Northwestern Lehigh (RB/S), Jase Ferguson, Central Clarion (QB/S), Madden Patrick, Danville (QB/CB) and Matt Sieg, Fort Cherry (QB/ATH/S).
The 2024 winner was Eli Zimmerman. What can you say about Zimmerman. The kid did it all, offense, defense, and special teams. He helped lead his team to a perfect 16-0 record and a 3A State Title. Eli rushed for 2,665 yards and 27 touchdowns and caught 28 passes for 277 yards and four touchdowns. On defense, he had 56 total tackles and six interceptions. Zimmerman was dynamic on special teams as well, returning six punts for touchdowns. He set numerous records at Northwestern Lehigh. Zimmerman has committed to Bloomsburg University.
“First I want to thank everyone here and Mr PA Football for putting on this event,” said Zimmerman. “I want to thank my mom and dad for being there every step of the way. I want to thank my coaches and teammates. I couldn’t have done this without you.”
The 2024 Big School (4A-6A) winner was picked from Joey O’Brien, La Salle College HS, Messiah Mickens, Harrisburg, Stone Saunders, Bishop McDevitt, Tiqwai Hayes, Aliquippa (RB), Ty Salazer, State College (WR/CB) and Xxavier Thomas, Pittsburgh Central Catholic.
The 2024 winner was Ty Salazer. Salazer was a top receiver in Pennsylvania. He set the single-season career and county marks this season. He caught 79 passes for 1,597 yards and 21 touchdowns, a 122.8 ypg. Ty set county marks with 274 receiving yards in a subregional clash with McDowell, a week after his game with Bishop McDevitt, for 221 yards and three scores. On defense, he had four picks and was an outstanding return man.
“I want to thank my parents who are here today and my coaches,” said Salazer. “So many people helped me get where I am. I am extremely grateful right now.”
