Johnstown’s Istanich named to Class AAA all-state team

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December 20, 2008

By MIKE MASTOVICH The Tribune-Democrat Sat Dec 20, 2008, 08:59 AM EST

At 6-foot-5, 280 pounds, Dave Istanich and his light blue No. 66 jersey were easy to spot on fall Friday nights at Trojan Stadium.

The two-way tackle played a huge role on an 8-4 District 6 Class AAA runner-up team whose offense rushed for 2,702 yards and passed for another 1,040, mostly against Laurel Highlands Athletic Conference competition.

Istanich, who already has committed to NCAA Division I Florida International University, is well-known throughout the region. On Friday, the senior earned statewide recognition. The Associated Press named Istanich a Class AAA First-Team All-State selection as an offensive lineman.

“I was really hoping for this,” Istanich said. “I’ve always worked so hard and this was one of my goals, to end my high school career with an all-state pick.

“We had a pretty good season. Quadir (Christian) ran for over 1,000 yards. (Quarterback) John (Siciliano) threw for over 1,000 yards. We had a senior-oriented line. We were big up front. That made us all look good.”

On defense, Istanich made 79 stops and had 41?2 sacks and an interception.

“If anybody deserves it, it’s him,” Johnstown coach Kevin Marabito said. “He’s worked so hard. He’s a great tribute to the school and this community. He does everything a person should do. He’s a fine young man, and this is a great honor for the final part of his high school career. He’s a young man who does whatever you ask of him.”

Istanich upheld an impressive Johnstown tradition. The Trojans have produced a first-team all-state pick in Class AAA for six consecutive seasons. The others are tailback Antwuan Reed (2006, 2007), offensive lineman Scott Corson (2005) and tailback LaRod Stephens-Howling (2004, 2003). Lineman Mike Kush made the second team in 2004.

“It’s a tribute to the kids that are coming through,” said Marabito, the second-year Trojans head coach. “LaRod started it. Kids saw how hard he worked and they realized that if you work hard, good things can come from it. It’s something to have this many kids recognized in this number of years. It’s the young kids. They work hard and do the things the way you have to do it.”

Istanich was among a group of talented linemen in the LHAC this season, but he was able to shine against top players.

“Really, Dave dominated the line of scrimmage on offense,” Marabito said. “Defensively if you put him at the nose, he took care of the center of the line. If you put him at tackle, he controlled those areas. He’s a player you could put anywhere and he did it hard. All the hard work paid off for him.”

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