Almost two weeks ago Roman Clay held a five-pound Hershey’s chocolate bar in his left hand as the junior running back outlined the Crusaders’ set of goals for the season.
“We wanted to win our non-league games, win our section, win Districts and win the state championship,” said Clay. He helped the Crusaders win their seventh Section 3 title in a row and their third District three title in four years.
Clay rushed for 154 yards and one score to lead the Crusaders to their second PIAA Class 2A state championship in three years.
Clay finished the 2011 season rushing for 1,899 yards on 185 carries, 10.3 average and 32 touchdowns. He rushed for 150 yards or more in a game eight times.
He had back-to-back 1,500 yard seasons. Clay rushed for 1,544 yards as a sophomore. His career rushing totals are 3,443 yards and 52 touchdowns.
In January he will be participating in the National Proving Combine at Phoenix, Arizona.
The senior to be will have some new challenges next year, his team will be moving up to 3A and play in the section one, Lancaster/Lebanon League.
Stats provided by Jeff Reinhart and quotes by Josh Funk
