Confidence can be key.

Jameson Trainer knows that. And so does Palmerton football coach Chris Walkowiak.

In his first year as the Blue Bombers’ starting quarterback, Trainer has flourished in his new role, one that requires as much accountability as it does athleticism.

Trainer leads by example, both on and off the field.

The senior has shined all season, and showcased the strides he has made with an impressive performance during the Bombers’ 32-28 win over Wilson this past Saturday.

Trainer did damage with his arm and his legs against the Warriors, throwing for 198 yards and three touchdowns and running for 202 yards and a score, a dynamic performance that helped the Palmerton signal-caller earn Times News Football Player of the Week honors.

Stepping into a role vacated by record-setting quarterback Matt Machalik can be a daunting task. But it’s a position Trainer has shown he’s perfect for.

“Following Matt (Machalik), someone has to do it. But Jameson is his own person, and that’s a credit to him and his personality,” Walkowiak said of Trainer. “He embraced the position, and as he embraced the position, and became more confident in the position, you’ve seen the elevation of his play.”

Trainer and Walkowiak both credited the continued evolution to Mark Versuk, who coaches the Bombers’ skill players and quarterbacks.

“Yeah, the coaches worked with me all in the preseason and the season so far,” said Trainer, who is also fifth on the team with 27 tackles this season, including a team-high nine tackles for loss. “They’ve all been helping me get better, what keys to read and the skill guys, they’re good at running their routes and finding open space. And the line is just good at holding on to their blocks and staying on their man and just blocking good.”

Trainer was electric in the Bombers’ win over Wilson, completing 15-of-23 pass attempts while also carrying the ball 23 times, including an 85-yard scamper.

Not only does Trainer have a tremendous grasp of the Palmerton offense, he also has the skills to be able to dissect defenses.

“Playing receiver all three years until this year, I’ve studied the plays, I know all the plays, so I know where people are going to be when I throw the ball,” Trainer said.

Walkowiak echoed that sentiment.

“I think that’s helped him in terms of reading coverages and knowing what to do,” Walkowiak said of Trainer’s experience at receiver. “But really, the past few weeks when he’s taken off, it’s because of his confidence. He’s really grown and taken in the coaching and applying it. He’s making very good decisions. “We knew coming into the season he was very athletic and great with his feet, and we were going to work on the passing game. But that’s where coach (Versuk) has done a great job of calling plays that fits our style and fits Jameson’s style. So right now, you’re starting to see that all come together. Progression wise, he’s right on pace for where he needs to be.”

For the season, Trainer has rushed for 605 yards, third-best among area players, on 110 attempts. He has also thrown for 498 yards.

The progression for Trainer and his teammates was on full display Saturday.

“What stood out the most was definitely the line. They were holding their blocks the whole time, giving me a lot of time in the pocket,” said Trainer. “And the receivers were confident in their routes, and confident that I was going to get the ball to them. They’re so good at finding open space. I feel like that’s what led to our success on Saturday.”

Trainer has proven to be a quick study for the Blue Bombers. And the senior aced his test against Wilson.

It should be no surprise for someone the caliber of Trainer.

“Our offense is growing. We’re able to say things on the fly to him, and he’s able to see it and do it,” said Walkowiak. “The application process is definitely there, and it comes with maturity. Jameson is a captain this year. He’s a great leader. He is the first person if something goes wrong to say, ‘Hey, that was on me.’ He’ll man up. He’s accountable. But he also holds other people accountable.

“He’s just a pleasure to be around. I’ve been coaching him now for four years, and seeing his maturity, and confidence blossom over these four years, has seen him develop into an outstanding player for our program.”