Devils’ Blackwell lets his play do the talking

Discussion

December 23, 2007

BY CORY ISENBERG The Tribune-Democrat Sun Dec 23, 2007, 12:13 AM EST

Mitch Blackwell was one defender that opposing players did not want to see coming their way on the gridiron, especially quarterbacks.

Central Cambria’s fierce senior defensive end finished the season with an area-high 17 sacks. Blackwell had 99 tackles including 83 solo stops, earning him The Tribune-Democrat Defensive Player of the Year nod.

“He’s a kid that falls into the high-motor category,” Central Cambria coach Ken Bussard said. “He was relentless in his pursuit to the ball. He had a real passion for tracking quarterbacks down. He had a little bit of a mean streak as a football player and could turn it on when he was playing and off when he wasn’t on the field.”

Bussard said the 6-foot-2, 203-pound Blackwell wasn’t the Red Devils most vocal player.

“Mitch was a quiet leader, who led by example not by his words,” the Central Cambria coach said. “Whenever we needed a play to ignite the defense, whether it was a quarterback sack, a hurry or a slowdown, he seemed to be the one to provide the play.”

Blackwell was one of the nine senior leaders on a Central Cambria squad which finished with a 7-3 regular-season record.

“All the seniors are my best friends,” Blackwell said. “I will never forget them. We all worked hard together. We definitely proved a lot of people wrong this year because they didn’t think we would do as well as we did.”

The Red Devils defensive end, who also played on the offensive line this season, has some vivid memories regarding this season.

“Beating Forest Hills at their field was probably the highlight of the season,” Blackwell said, noting that it was the first time in 12 years that the Red Devils prevailed over the Rangers.

In the District 5-6 Class AA playoffs, Central Cambria recorded victories over Penns Valley (7-6) and top-seeded Tyrone (21-10).

“Penns Valley was the first playoff game that anyone on the team had experienced,” the Central Cambria player said. “They were a tough and physical team. Beating Tyrone which was ranked No. 2 in the state was also one of the highlights of the year.”

The Red Devils advanced to the District 6 championship for the first time since 2000, falling to Bishop McCort 28-21 in overtime to end their season with a 9-4 mark.

“It’s definitely an honor to be named (defensive player of the year),” Blackwell said. “What probably got me noticed by opposing coaches is that I basically wreaked havoc since I was a sophomore. I play at 110 percent on every play. I tried doing what I could to help the team win football games.”

Blackwell, who was a First-Team All-Area selection last season, also as the area’s sack leader, attributed this year’s coaching staff for the team’s success.

“It made a big difference to have Coach Bussard back,” said Blackwell, who had 43 sacks in the past three seasons. “And having coaches like Chris Villarrial and John Sikora come to Central Cambria definitely helped a lot.”

The Red Devils’ lineman is looking to continue his playing career in college and has narrowed his choices to IUP, Slippery Rock, Clarion and Waynesburg.

Text Only | Photo Reprints

High School Sports

Bedford goes to Class AA quarterfinals by thumping first-time participant Western Wayne
Bedford was making its fifth straight appearance in the PIAA Class AA Dual-Meet Championships on Thursday.

February 10, 2012 1 Photo
High School Basketball in Brief
A closer look at Thursday's boys and girls high school basketball games:

February 9, 2012
High School Basketball in Brief
February 8, 2012 1 Photo
[VIDEO] Cory Berchick sets Township school mark, but Somerset wins the match
Jarod Feathers didn’t necessarily see this moment coming four years ago.

February 8, 2012 1 Photo
High school basketball in brief
A closer look at Tuesday's boys and girls high school basketball games:

February 8, 2012
High school basketball in brief
A closer look at Monday's boys and girls high school basketball games:

February 7, 2012
Mifflin County bests Westmont Hilltop in District 6 Class AAA semis
Mifflin County finished Saturday’s District 6 Class AAA semifinal with a flourish – both in the dual meet and individual matches – on the way to a 36-26 victory over Westmont Hilltop.

February 4, 2012 1 Photo
Bedford captures District 5 crown
Michael Brett is known for his ability to lock up a cross-face cradle.

February 4, 2012 1 Photo
[VIDEO] Bishop McCort avenges earlier loss to Richland
Bishop McCort’s girls were looking for a little payback for an earlier loss that they had suffered at Laurel Highlands Section 2 rival Richland.
It was mission accomplished for the Crimson Crushers on Friday night as McCort held off the Rams for a physical 47-43 victory.

February 4, 2012 2 Photos
Westy set to face Mifflin County at District 6 meet
Westmont Hilltop coach Matt Beaujon takes pride in having his wrestling team well-prepared heading into a dual meet.

February 4, 2012
More High School Sports Headlines

High School Sports

Search Results

Discussion

Devils’ Blackwell lets his play do the talking

Do you support Gov. Tom Corbett’s proposed state budget for fiscal year 2012-13?

Contact Us