It’s hard to keep track of Tamaqua’s Nate Boyle.

Maybe he’s at running back or receiver. On defense, he’ll play safety and linebacker. He even plays special teams.

But if you couldn’t find him last week against Blue Mountain, it’s because he was hiding in the end zone.

The Raiders’ sophomore had four rushing touchdowns and caught a 65-yard touchdown pass from Brayden Knoblauch. He also recorded an interception and recovered an onside kick. Boyle was truly all over the field, and his versatility helped Tamaqua (5-0) stay undefeated with a convincing 48-28 win over Blue Mountain, earning him the Times News Player of the Week award.

“We executed and we did what we do every week; run the ball, pass the ball, and get everybody involved,” Boyle said. “There’s a little pressure, but every week we have to get better and do the same things every week to improve our game.”

Last year, as a freshman, Boyle led the Raiders in interceptions. He’s off to another great start defensively this year, and he added 11 more tackles to his resume against the Eagles last week.

“Coach told me that I’d be starting out at safety, and later on moving to linebacker,” Boyle explained. “Last game, I only played linebacker. I’m a lot more confident than last year. I had to learn it all last year. We touched on some things when we were younger, but this year, I kind of know it all and I’m just trying to get better when I play.”

Boyle is averaging well over eight yards per carry, and is the lightning to the thunder of Times News area leading rusher Nick Breiner.

“Growing up, I played running back on offense,” said the sophomore. “I knew that I’d be playing a couple different positions this year. Wherever coach needs me, I’m willing to play 100 percent every game, every practice. We have a lot of weapons. When we get everyone involved, it’s hard to determine who’s going to get the ball, and it gives a big advantage to our team.”

On the outside, Boyle has now hauled in 14 catches for 301 yards, which has him third in the TN area in receiving.

“He plays safety, inside linebacker and outside for us,” said Tamaqua coach Sam Bonner. “He plays flanker, tailback, you could probably put him at nose guard and he would do well at that position. He’s very versatile and a great athlete overall. You can’t say enough about the kid’s work ethic, you almost forget he’s only a sophomore.”

The Raiders are rolling into the meat of their schedule and will battle a strong Pottsville team on Friday night. Every Division 1 school other than Blue Mountain left on the schedule, Boyle’s play-making ability on both sides of the ball will be counted on down the stretch.

The Schuylkill Football League may have just learned of him last year, but there’s no hiding anymore.

“Before the season, I knew that we were going to be a good team,” Boyle said. “We’re undefeated now, and we have a lot of confidence in ourselves that we can be 10-0 this year and move on into the playoffs and do something we haven’t done before.”