Entering his sophomore year of high school, Shane Leh wasn’t quite sure what to expect of his first full season of varsity football.

Once the young Tiger stepped on the Northwestern Lehigh practice field last summer, the transition went smoother than expected and once he got behind center in a game, Leh immediately felt right at home.

“Over the summer, I didn’t really know what to expect as a high school varsity quarterback,” said Leh, one of the Tigers’ two signal-callers this season along with fellow sophomore Mason Bollinger.

“When I got out there that first time though, it just felt very natural. It just felt right for me.”

In a 35-6 victory over Bangor last week, Leh helped lead unbeaten Northwestern to its eighth straight victory.

With the Slaters committed to stopping Northwestern’s running game, the Tigers’ coaching staff decided to let Leh air it out.

The sophomore connected on 16 of his 24 passes for 233 yards and three touchdowns, a performance that helped Leh earn Times News Football Player of the Week honors.

“I’m very honored in winning the award,” Leh said. “I just have to thank my line, receivers and everyone who caught my passes, as they just really helped me out. I just try my best to play my role in helping us to victory every week.”

In eight games, Leh has completed 65 of 102 pass attempts for 972 yards in guiding an offense that is putting up 373.3 yards and almost 44 points per game this season, which both rank second in the area. His 972 yards passing rank third in the area.

Northwestern head coach Josh Snyder has seen Leh continue to progress and settle into his position.

“He’s getting better and better each and every week,” said Snyder. “We didn’t know how much of the offense he’d be able to grasp. To start the season off with him and Mason (Bollinger) splitting a lot of the reps there as sophomores, and never taking any significant reps as a high school quarterback on Friday nights, he’s just gotten better and better each week.”

The Tigers have a few veteran players who have helped the team’s two sophomore quarterbacks become comfortable with their roles.

“It’s not that hard with them lending a helping hand in getting things done,” Leh added. “I got everyone on my team to help make my job a whole lot easier. It’s just great to have my teammates as support.”

Snyder knows this is just the beginning for Leh.

“He’s just getting started,” said Snyder. “It’s his sophomore season, and it’s just a scratch in the surface here. He’s got a long way to go.

“He’s sort of ahead of the curve, and right where he needs to be. And we’re pleased with where he’s at.”