For Northwestern Lehigh, the second time was the charm.

The Tigers’ second consecutive trip to the PIAA 3A state championship resulted in a thrilling 36-33 overtime victory over Avonworth.

The Tigers finished with a 16-0 record, a Colonial-Schuylkill Division A title, a third straight District 11 3A championship and — most importantly — the coveted state gold.

Deservingly so, Northwestern is well-represented on this season’s Times News/Lehigh Valley Health Network Football All Star team.

Tamaqua (3A Eastern Conference champion), Lehighton, Marian, Jim Thorpe and Pleasant Valley all qualified for the postseason as well.

Lehighton was the only team other than Northwestern to win a district playoff game, defeating Blue Mountain in the quarterfinals of the Class 4A playoffs.

The Times News/Lehigh Valley Health Network Football All-Star squad unveiling annually serves as the unofficial final act to the gridiron season.

Comparable to our format over the past few seasons, we have selected Offensive and Defensive Players of the Year, as well as the top players in eight different position groups.

Per usual, an individual can only be selected as a Player of the Year once, but can be named as an All-Star at any other position.

For example, with Eli Zimmerman’s selection as this season’s Football Player of the Year, that eliminates him from any other Player of the Year category, but he can be named an all-star at a position. This is done to recognize as many deserving players as possible.

Offensive Player

of the Year

Shane Leh, Northwestern (Jr.)

Leh was the definition of an efficient signal caller for the PIAA 3A state champion Tigers.

Leh led an offense that averaged 388 total yards per game and averaged an impressive 41.8 points per contest.

The junior passed for 1,585 yards with 24 touchdowns and just five interceptions, and also rushed for 448 yards and eight rushing touchdowns.

Coach’s Quote: “Shane really started to get into a groove during the back-half of the season. It was really hard for him to put up big numbers, or even get into a rhythm at times because so many of our games ended up being landslide victories. But still, to put up the numbers he did and then in state playoff games, you saw how special he is. (In the championship game he was) 12-of-15 with a touchdown pass. He made big plays for us all year.” — Northwestern head coach Josh Snyder.

Defensive Player

of the Year

Bryer Reichard, N’western (Sr.)

Reichard was dominant from his defensive end position for the PIAA 3A state champion Tigers, who allowed an average of just 7.9 points per game.

A three-year starter, a two-time all-state selection and this year’s Colonial League football coaches’ association’s Defensive Player of the Year, Reichard tallied 91 total tackles (41 solo), 15 tackles for loss, seven sacks and three fumble recoveries.

Reichard, who was last year’s TN/LVHN Defensive Player of the Year, was also a three-year starter at tackle on the offensive line for the Tigers.

Coach’s Quote: “Bryer shut his whole side of the field down up front on the defensive line. Teams just couldn’t do anything to his side. He would force double teams, he would cause teams to have to run plays the other way, and it really freed up our linebackers to go out there and make plays. Bryer led our team in sacks and tackles for loss; he is just a dominant football player on both sides of the ball.” — Northwestern head coach Josh Snyder.

Quarterback of the Year

Jayse Lawrence, Lehighton (Jr.)

Lawrence had a breakout season as signal caller for a Lehighton team that finished strong down the stretch, with big wins over Tamaqua and Jim Thorpe to close out the regular season. The Indians then were able to come up with a huge win, defeating Blue Mountain in the first round of the District 11 4A playoffs. Lawrence ended with 1,247 yards through the air with 17 touchdowns and 10 interceptions, while adding 553 yards on the ground and six rushing scores.

Coach’s Quote: “Jayse really stepped up his leadership this offseason. He was voted as one of our captains, and you could see he was comfortable taking ownership of the starting quarterback role. He did a really nice job of running our offense. We ask a lot of the quarterback, and he handled it well. He was a little banged up early, but once he got healthier, he became a very dangerous dual-threat on offense, and it took our offense to the next level. He especially played really good football down the stretch for us. We’re excited to have him back, and to see what he can do next season.” - Lehighton head coach Tom McCarroll.

All-Star Quarterbacks

Shane Leh, Northwestern (Jr.); Cole Lazorick, Jim Thorpe (Jr.); Garrett Smoyer, No. Lehigh (So.)

Running Back of the Year

Rory Dixon, Marian (So.)

Dixon served as the work horse for the Marian offense this season. The Colts, which are run-heavy in their run-first offense, depended a lot on the sophomore tailback. Dixon finished with 1,229 rushing yards and 14 rushing touchdowns. Dixon topped the 100-yard mark in seven games, and averaged close to 112 yards per game on the ground. His high was 191 yards against Hanover. So far in his career at Marian, Dixon has accumulated 2,134 rushing yards and 22 rushing touchdowns.

Coach’s Quote: “We asked a lot of Rory, and he delivered for us time and time again throughout the season. He was our workhorse for a reason. He showed he could handle the workload, and he really thrived in that role. He’s such a humble kid; he’d be the first to tell you this isn’t possible without his offensive line. But Rory’s potential is sky-high, and we are really excited to see what he can accomplish the next two seasons.” - Marian head coach Billy O’Gurek.

All-Star Running Backs

Eli Zimmerman, Northwestern (Sr.); Bradley Whalen, Tamaqua (Sr.); Grady Newhard, No. Lehigh (Jr.); Lukas Croizier, Lehighton (So.); Jacob Ferguson, Lehighton (Sr.); Chris Ward, Pleasant Vy. (So.)

Wide Receiver of the Year

Victor Schlosser, Tamaqua (Sr.)

Schlosser was a big-play target for the Eastern Conference 3A champion Raiders this season. At wide receiver, Schlosser hauled in 65 balls for 770 yards and seven receiving scores. Schlosser also rushed for 335 yards and four touchdowns at almost nine yards per carry. Schlosser’s claim to fame came on a game-winning last second 36-yard touchdown catch to shock Pottsville.

Coach’s Quote: “Victor was the smallest player on the team as a freshman. Through hard work in the offseason, he became one of the best receivers in school history, breaking the single-season receiving record. He was an all-around great football player in all three phases, on offense, defense and special teams.” - Tamaqua head coach Sam Bonner.

All-Star Receivers

Justin Yescavage, Jim Thorpe (Sr.); Mason Bollinger, Northwestern (Jr.); Joe Roth, Lehighton (Sr.); Chris Frame, No. Lehigh (So.); Josh Louk, Jim Thorpe (Jr.); Michael Gelatko, Marian (TE, Sr.); Caden Meek, Lehighton (Jr.); Aaron Curran, Jim Thorpe (Sr.); Blake Roberts, Lehighton (TE, Jr.); Vincent Taglieri, Palmerton (Jr.); Brady Jones, Panther Vy. (Sr.); Declan Coleman, Tamaqua (TE, Sr.)

Offensive Lineman of the Year

Logan Anthony, Palmerton (Jr.)

A 6-4, 315-pound All-State selection, Anthony was a force on both sides of the ball for Palmerton. A Division 1 recruit at guard, Anthony was named first team at both guard and defensive tackle on the Colonial League All-Star team. Anthony finished the year with 59 pancake blocks.

Coach’s Quote: “Logan is a three-year starter for us, and we’re really excited to see what’s in store for him his senior season. He’s been generating a lot of interest from Division 1 programs. He works hard on and off the field and he’s a competitor ... He is also a student of the game. He has great knowledge, and you pair that with his athleticism and size and his ability to kick out and block or pull, and you can see why people are taking notice.” - Palmerton head coach Chris Walkowiak.

All-Star Offensive Linemen

Bryer Reichard, Northwestern (Sr.); Jared Meck, Northwestern (Sr.); Jeremiah Gornicz, Northwestern (Sr.); Jackson Bailey, Northwestern (Sr.); Landen Klimek, No. Lehigh (So.); Joey Houser, Lehighton (Sr.); Yadiel Acosta-Rodriguez, Lehighton (Sr.); Aidan Milkovits, Marian (Sr.); Julian Hermany, Marian (Sr.); Luke Fronheiser, Tamaqua (Jr.); Gavin Strohl, Jim Thorpe (Jr.); Malachi Stewart, Tamaqua (Jr.); Zack Seifert, Panther Vy. (Sr.)

Athlete of the Year

Mason Bollinger, Northwestern (Jr.)

Bollinger was a Swiss army knife type player for the PIAA 3A state champion Tigers. On offense, Bollinger led the Tigers in both catches and receiving yards with 38 catches for 520 yards and six touchdowns, while also rushing for 303 yards and seven rushing scores. On defense, Bollinger tallied 55 tackles and six tackles for loss.

Coach’s Quote: “Mason really bought into the idea that he was going to be our utility guy on offense. We moved him into that H-back role, and he embraced it. He did the dirty work for us. He got really confident in that role and started to block a lot more aggressively, which opened the offense. And when you do that, you get rewarded with play-action. Shane and him (Bollinger) really developed that mid-range 10–15-yard connection, and he was able to make some big plays. He was also great in our wildcat formation, and was able to grind out yards when we needed them.” - Northwestern head coach Josh Snyder.

All-Star Athletes

Eli Zimmerman, Northwestern (Sr.); Luke Kane, Tamaqua (Sr.); Landen Matson, Northwestern (Sr.); Shane Hulmes, Northwestern (Jr.); Chris Frame, No. Lehigh (So.); Victor Schlosser, Tamaqua (Sr.); Jameson Trainer, Palmerton (Sr.); Brennan Kunkel, Panther Vy. (Sr.)

Linebacker of the Year

Shane Hulmes, Northwestern (Jr.)

Hulmes was a defensive play-maker all over the field for the PIAA 3A state champion Tigers. Fast and physical explains Hulmes style of play, and the numbers back it up. Hulmes, a two-time All-State selection at linebacker, finished the season with 124 total tackles, 11 tackles for loss, seven sacks, two forced fumbles and an interception. Hulmes was also a weapon on offense, as he scored 10 touchdowns for the Tigers.

Coach’s Quote: “When Shane Hulmes came back healthy, it took our defense to another level. He makes all the calls and changes out there and gets everyone in the right spot. And once he got into playing shape, we looked completely different on the defensive side of the ball. Shane is only a junior, but he has been doing it a high level for us ever since he stepped on the field. We’re really excited for his future, and he definitely has a shot at our career tackles record.” - Northwestern head coach Josh Snyder.

All-Star Linebackers

Brady Zimmerman, Northwestern (So.); Landen Matson, Northwestern (Sr.); Blake Roberts, Lehighton (Jr.); Mason Bollinger, Northwestern (Jr.); Isaac Raber, No. Lehigh (Sr.); Josh Wambold, Northwestern (Sr.); Tyler Koch, Tamaqua (Sr.); Logan Fisher, Panther Vy. (Sr.); Chris Ward, Pleasant Vy. (So.)

Defensive Lineman of the Year

Jared Meck, Northwestern (Sr.)

Meck was in the opponents’ backfield a ton this year for the PIAA 3A state champion Tigers. From his defensive end spot, Meck put up big numbers. He finished the season with 104 total tackles, 14 tackles for loss and three sacks. Meck was also a multi-year starter for the Tigers on their offensive line.

Coach’s Quote: “Meck was a three-year starter for us on offense, and then coming into his senior year he took on a bigger role on the defensive side. Once he got on the field on defense, he never came off, that’s how good he was ... He was great off the edge, and played with relentless effort and had a knack for being able to come up and hit guys on the chin. He sprained his ankle in the Danville game, but still went out and played through it in the state championship.” - Northwestern head coach Josh Snyder.

All-Star Defensive Linemen

Bryer Reichard, Northwestern (Sr.); Jackson Huber, Northwestern (Sr.); Logan Anthony, Palmerton (Jr.); Noah Herring, No. Lehigh (Sr.); Marc Macias, Lehighton (So.); Nick Marsh, Pleasant Vy. (Sr.); Landon Moll, No. Lehigh (Sr.); Michael Gelatko, Marian (Sr.); Aidan Milkovits, Marian (Sr.); Bradley Whalen, Tamaqua (Sr.); Jacob Hehn, Tamaqua (Sr.); Preston Digrazia, Lehighton (So.); Gavin Strohl, Jim Thorpe (Jr.) Marco Tessitore, Panther Vy. (Jr.)

Defensive Back of the Year

Seth Kern, Northwestern (Sr.)

Kern was a ball hawk in the secondary for the PIAA 3A state champion Tigers. Kern seemed to always be around the football in the defensive backfield, and made a ton of plays when the opportunities presented themselves. Kern finished the season with 36 total tackles, five interceptions and six pass breakups.

Coach’s Quote: “Kern is a very athletic kid. He was our lockdown corner. He drew the toughest wide receiver assignment week-in and week-out for us. He works really hard at his craft and the results show. He did a great job of making plays on the ball; great deflecting passes and came through with a bunch of interceptions for us. A really good player for us.” - Northwestern head coach Josh Snyder.

All-Star Defensive Backs

Eli Zimmerman, Northwestern (Sr.); Chris Frame, No. Lehigh (So.); Victor Schlosser, Tamaqua (Sr.); Josh Louk, Jim Thorpe (Jr.); Lukas Croizier, Lehighton (So.); Cole Lazorick, Jim Thorpe (Jr.); Ben Baneravage, Panther Vy. (Jr.); Colin Karetsky, No. Lehigh (So.); Alex Keiper, Palmerton (Jr.); Logan Kent, Lehighton (Sr.)

All-Star Specialists

Chris Ward, Pleasant Vy. (P, So.); Nick Barron, Tamaqua (K/P, Sr.); Michael Gelatko, Marian (P, Sr.); Austin Malick, No. Lehigh (P, Sr.)