Some of the greatest players in the history of the game played high school football in Pennsylvania.

None of them did what Palmerton’s Matt Machalik has done over his high school career.

While leading his team to a division title and unbeaten regular season, the Blue Bomber quarterback eclipsed some lofty career numbers last fall. He became the first player in state history to cross 5,000 yards in both rushing and passing during his career, finishing with 6,055 passing yards and 5,457 rushing yards.

After making state history, Machalik was named the Times News/Lehigh Valley Health Network Football Player of the Year for the second straight season.

“The 6,000/5,000, I’m going to remember that forever,” said Machalik. “I’m not worried about that now, but when I’m older and looking back on my high school days I’m going to be like ‘I did that.’

“I’m excited the accomplishment came with all the hard work I put into the sport. My teammates were great to me in getting open and blocking down field. All credit to them.”

This season, Machalik added 2,251 yards to his rushing total and 37 touchdowns, both school records. He also passed for 1,529 yards and 17 TDs in his senior year.

Palmerton head coach Chris Walkowiak has been with the dual-threat quarterback for his entire high school career and never ceased to be amazed by the things Machalik did.

“Every day, whether it’s at practice or in the games, he does something that makes you think ‘did he just do that?’” said Walkowiak. “His instincts are off the charts, and his vision. That’s what really separates him. He’s a film junky. He loves watching film, and is very knowledgeable about the game. He sees things before other people see it, and he reacts off of it. When there’s a run called for him, he’s a legitimate threat to take it to the house every play.”

Machalik became the first player in District 11 history to have back-to-back 2,000/1,000-yard seasons. As a senior, it was 2,000 rushing and 1,000 passing, flipping the numbers after going over 2,000 passing/1,000 rushing as a junior.

His records didn’t only come on offense. Machalik’s vision and instincts led him to a school-record 18 career interceptions, with five picks coming this season and a school-record seven in 2021.

But those aren’t the numbers he’s most proud of. This year’s 12 wins are what he’ll remember most - along with guiding the team to two District 11 title games.

“I’m more of a team player,” Machalik said. “I’m all about the team. My records I translate into team accolades instead of individual accolades. Our 2024 class led the way, and the younger guys followed behind us. I’m excited that we had a pretty historic season in our senior season.”

Machalik led the Bombers to a 10-0 regular season - the first in school history - and a second division title in three years. He worked as hard as anyone during the offseason and preseason, leading others to want to join him.

“I really took a lot of pride in that,” he said. “From summer to the end of the season, playing with them and doing the offseason. When the coaches aren’t watching, what are you doing?

“We really took pride in going up to the field and throwing football and doing the little things. We made each other better. I hope the younger guys understood what I was trying to take pride in. I hope I was a good role model for these guys.”

An all-state selection for the third straight season, Machalik’s goal was to do everything he could to elevate the team and the program, to bring a winning tradition and a sense of pride to the team.

“He’s leaving a legacy at Palmerton,” said Walkowiak, “He put himself on the map by being the first player in Pennsylvania to have 6,000 rushing and 5,000 passing. He also put us on the map in finishing as a team top 10 in the state. That was an accomplishment for him and for the team.

“Matt was behind everything, but he’s also humble and knows it’s not all him. At the end of the day, he just wanted to try and win a championship.”

By his senior year, teams were keying on stopping Machalik. This season he had the best team around him in his high school career, and everyone flourished.

“Wherever I saw green (open space) is where I was throwing it to or where I was going to take off,” Machalik said. “You just have to realize teams are going to be keying on you and its going to be hard. That’s why other guys stepped up.

“Ty Sander, Emilio Gonzalez, Brayden Hosier, I could go on and on about other guys. I feel like they did a great job stepping up when teams were keying on me.”

Sharing his records and wins with his teammates, coaches, family and the Palmerton community is what the future Lehigh University Mountain Hawk enjoyed most about his high school career.

“I could go on for days about the community,” he said. “I really love the community here, and the support was really great. Our coach does a great job of giving back to the community, and our players take pride in giving back to the community because of their support on Friday nights.

“It’s an honor to play under that. Having that support makes us better. I enjoy it so much. I’m going to miss it, but I know they’re going to be following me down the line. They really helped us bring a spark to Palmerton football and make history.”