Victor Schlosser was everywhere he needed to be.

Every time Tamaqua needed it.

Schlosser shined in all three phases of the Blue Raiders dramatic victory over Pottsville last Friday.

The senior caught six passes for 100 yards, including the game-winning touchdown with just seconds remaining. On defense, he intercepted three passes — one he returned for a score and another on the game’s final play.

It was a performance that pushed Tamaqua to 3-0 on the season, and one that helped Schlosser claim Times News Football Player of the Week honors.

“I’m really grateful that I get to play all the positions I am,” said Schlosser. “Not everybody gets to do that. I’m thankful that he (head coach Sam Bonner) trusts me to do everything that I do.”

Schlosser has grown into a game-changing - and game-breaking - role for the Blue Raiders.

“We said going into the season, and we’ve been kind of even reinforcing it to him, that he’s got to be our guy in clutch situations to be able to make the plays,” said Bonner. “And we started seeing it at the end of last year, making those kind of plays. And with the offseason he had, how he progressed over the last two years, we were hoping that he would be that guy. And so far he’s really proving that he is that guy.”

Schlosser has rushed for 176 yards, and has caught 14 passes for 232 yards. On defense, he has four interceptions.

He also has five kickoff returns, averaging 19.4 yards per return, and three punt returns, averaging 10.3 yards.

They are critical aspects to Schlosser’s game, and catalysts for Tamaqua’s success.

“He contributes in all three aspects of the game,” said Bonner. “We’ve been going against teams that are kicking the ball close to the end zone, and he’s doing a good job of getting it out across the 20; he may not be getting a big return, but he’s getting us a lot of more breathing room than we normally would have against some of those teams.

“And defensively, he started the game off by making an interception off a touchdown, and he finished the game by catching a touchdown on offense. And I think that shows he’s a defensive and an offensive player, who made two huge plays in a big game on both sides of the ball.”

After opening the season with a 38-7 win at Pen Argyl, Tamaqua turned in a dominant performance to claim a 35-17 victory over North Schuylkill in Week 2.

The strong start to the season carries on the momentum created near the end of last year, when the Blue Raiders won four straight and five of their last six to reach districts, which ended with a 55-15 loss to North Schuylkill.

This team has shown that these moments aren’t too big for them.

“Experience helps a lot,” said Schlosser. “Team chemistry is really big for us to be able to go out there every day and play the way we do; we cheer each other on, keep each other up. I think it helps out a lot.”

Schlosser didn’t cut any corners coming into the season.

“Everything I can,” Schlosser said when asked about his offseason work. “My backpedaling, just keeping my eyes on my man, and my route running as well. I try to work on everything I can.”

Schlosser leads the area in receiving, and has averaged 16.57 yards per catch. His 11.0 yards per carry ranks second among area players, as do his five total touchdowns.

There have been plenty of playmakers for Tamaqua so far on both sides of the ball. Quarterback Luke Kane leads the area with 405 passing yards, while Bradley Whalen is second in rushing with 328 yards, and Tyler Koch has also scored three touchdowns.

Those contributions have been key to Tamaqua’s start, and will continue to play a big role for a team that has its sights set on even more success in the future.

“He’s a team player. He wants to be a big part of it, but we also have a lot of guys making plays aside from Vic,” Bonner said. “Brad Wahlen is doing a heck of a job for us in the backfield; Tyler Koch made a huge catch on a third down, which was a big conversion; and obviously Luke Kane has been making a lot of plays. And I can keep on going, Declan Coleman, Jacob Hehn ... we said going into the season, we had some kids that we thought could make plays, and right now they’re all contributing.”

“Our senior class is real close, and you throw in some of those juniors in there, and some of the underclassmen, but it’s probably the best senior class I’ve had for some time.”

It’s a group that has a chance to create a special season for Tamaqua football. And have many more nights like last Friday.

“I think it’s inspiring for the team as well to really help us come back next week with confidence to show that we’re able to finish the game off,” said Schlosser. “And I think it just helps out a lot.”