As an inside linebacker, Matt Beckman makes one tackle after another. As a punter, the Ligonier Valley senior has a knack for being among the first players to the eventual ballcarrier. As the placekicker on kickoffs. ... Yes, on kickoffs, too, Beckman has made his share of hits.
It’s no wonder that Beckman leads Pennsylvania with 97 tackles, 19.4 a game, and ranks seventh in the United States in the latest MaxPreps.com statistics.
The numbers are impressive, but Ligonier coach Roger Beitel isn’t thinking about stats each time Beckman makes a big play.
“Matt has a lot going for him as a defender,” Beitel said. “He’s got size, 5-11, 230. He runs like a back. That’s something that’s a rare combination. He plays downhill at all times.”
Ligonier is 2-3 in the Heritage Conference, a situation Beitel and Beckman would prefer to improve on during this week’s game against Saltsburg.
“Some of the big games he’s had have also been because we have been so poor offensively,” Beitel said. “Week 1 against Purchase Line he had 26 tackles. We didn’t get a first down until the fourth quarter. That’s not a stat we want week-in and week-out, so to speak.”
Beckman’s versatility stands out. As a punter, he averages 38.9 yards. He’s had three touchbacks as a kickoff man and converted on eight of nine extra-point attempts.
“More often than not he’s down the field making the tackle after he kicks off,” Beitel said. “He’s the hot guy. Most teams use the kicker as the safety. Matt can punt the ball, run down the field and make the tackle. Those are some of those hidden tackles in the games.
“He free kicked after Purchase Line got a safety on us in the opener. He punted the ball 61 yards in the air. He just pounded it. Last week he had two rushes (on fakes) as a punter for first downs.”
Beckman played outside linebacker as a junior, recording 94 tackles (three fewer than he has through five games this year) and 10 sacks.
“When he was on the outside playing on one side, teams could run away from him,” Beitel said. “Now with him in the middle teams can’t run away from him as much.”
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Pass the helmet: As part of a special Saturday night game at Trojan Stadium, the Johnstown High Key Club will collect donations for the Trojan College Access Fund. The club will use Johnstown helmets to collect the money at the stadium entrance.
The Trojan College Access Fund, administered by the Community Foundation for the Alleghenies, provides scholarship money for Johnstown high students.
“Helmet Night” is only part of a weekend celebration in conjunction with Johns-town’s game against Bishop Carroll.
The 1958 Trojans team that won the WPIAL Class AA title with a 3-0 victory over Clairton at Pitt Stadium will be honored during a Friday night gathering at the War Memorial and a Saturday pregame dinner at the high school.
The 1958 team members will be introduced on the field.
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Top passer: Richland junior quarterback Gino Ramires’ 1,399 passing yards rank first in the state and 31st nationally according to MaxPreps.com. Ramires completed 89 of 148 passes, a .601 completion percentage, while throwing 12 touchdowns and six interceptions.
Nationally, senior quarterback Dustin Lotzer of Sisseton, S.D., ranks first with 1,948 passing yards, 27 touchdowns and only one interception.
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Double duty: Amanda James was part of Bishop Guilfoyle’s homecoming court during Saturday’s win over Penn Cambria at Mansion Park.
But James wasn’t in the traditional gown, sporting a fancy hairdo. The Guilfoyle placekicker instead wore the Marauders’ purple and gold uniform and was escorted by Guilfoyle running back A.J. Kitt during the halftime ceremony. A senior, James made three extra points in the 23-12 win.
Mike Mastovich is a sports writer for The Tribune-Democrat.
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