Mike Mastovich | Watson a game-changer in every sense of the word » Sports

Sports

Discussion

October 20, 2011

Mike Mastovich | Watson a game-changer in every sense of the word

Mike Mastovich mmastovich@tribdem.com The Tribune-Democrat Thu Oct 20, 2011, 12:19 AM EDT

Tony Penna Jr. has had to good fortune to coach numerous playmakers who have put the Johnstown team ahead of individual goals during the past two seasons.

The undefeated Trojans frequently have turned to the likes of Gervon Simon, Alkwan Williams, Dwight Andrews and Tim Odum for a big play or momentum swaying effort.

Penna sees in Mark Watson perhaps one of the best at making all the right moves at just the right time.

For instance, Watson’s

100-yard interception return for a touchdown against rival Bishop McCort prevented the Crushers from potentially tying the score at 7-all and instead gave the Trojans a 14-0 advantage in a game Johnstown eventually won 41-20.

“A pick-6 out of the end zone, that’s about as good as it gets,” said Penna, whose 7-0 team has a Friday date at 1-6 Central Cambria.

Watson leads the area with five interceptions and obviously, no one has had a longer return for a touchdown.

But the 5-foot-11 senior has filled a number of key roles for the Trojans. Watson can play receiver, as evidenced by his 19 receptions – tied for the team lead – for 403 yards, an average of 21.2 per catch. He can be used in the backfield, often running reverses while gaining 137 yards or 5.96 a carry. Sometimes, he’s a decoy for opponents to ponder.

“Mark Watson is the most dynamic player in this whole area,” Penna said. “We have a lot of great players on this team but as far as a dynamic game-changer, he does it. Every time he steps on the field for us, you have to account for him. He makes so many other people go. He’s so unselfish. He’s a great athlete and he’s dynamic. You have to prepare for him. He’s one special ballplayer.”

Watson had two interceptions against McCort and caught two balls for 75 yards.

“Mark could be the every down guy with 13 or 14 touches a quarter, (but) he just goes out and does his business,” Penna said. “Sometimes he’s even a decoy. He’s made our run game go.”

To read stories in their entirety, visit one of these links:

Click here to subscribe to The Tribune-Democrat print edition.

Click here to subscribe to The Tribune-Democrat

Text Only | Photo Reprints

Sports

Pirates pick up fourth straight victory
There were times earlier in his career when James McDonald would run into trouble and innings would slow to a crawl. Even worse, runners would disappear, and not in a good way.
Too much thinking. Not enough attacking.

May 28, 2012 2 Photos
AAABA League will open after busy offseason
The AAABA League opens on Tuesday at Point Stadium with two new, but familiar managers, a new but familiar sponsor, an expanded interleague schedule and two new franchises committed to the 2013 season.
A lot of activity took place during the offseason, including the AAABA national committee’s vote to expand the age limit to 21 years old beginning in 2013.

May 27, 2012 1 Photo
AAABA League Preview
A look at this season's Johnstown AAABA League:

May 29, 2012
2012 AAABA League schedule
A look at this season's schedule:

May 29, 2012
2011 AAABA in Review
A look back at the 2011 AAABA season:

May 29, 2012
Sympathetic Pirates add to Cubs’ slide
Andrew McCutchen and the Pittsburgh Pirates can relate to what the Chicago Cubs are going through.
Perhaps more than anyone, they know what it feels like to be on an extended losing streak
– 12 in a row, in the Cubs’ case.

May 27, 2012
Richland's Lumley settles for pair of silver medals
Paige Lumley was on an emotional roller coaster and seeing silver on Saturday at the PIAA Track and Field Championships at Shippensburg University.
The Richland senior had state record jumps twice during the triple jump competition, but ended up with a silver–medal leap of 40 feet,
1¾ inches.
Defending state champion, second-seeded junior Lanae Newsome of Brookville, won with a jump of 40-3½.

May 26, 2012 1 Photo
Ridge’s Dull takes second with school-record time
Matt Dull finished his athletic career with his best on Saturday at the PIAA Track and Field Championships at Shippensburg University.
The Chestnut Ridge senior ran a career-best time of 38.12 to finish second in the 300 hurdles final, also setting another school record.

May 26, 2012 1 Photo
Hit batsman lifts Pirates over Cubs
Matt Hague was hit by a pitch from Rafael Dolis with the bases loaded in the bottom of the ninth inning, and the Pittsburgh Pirates sent the Chicago Cubs to their 11th straight loss with a 3-2 victory Saturday night.
Hague took a 96 mph fastball from Dolis (2-4) in the back near the shoulder blade, scoring Jose Tabata and eliciting an incredulous look to the sky by the Cubs reliever.

May 26, 2012 1 Photo
Generals return to defeat Sting
It’s been a dramatic month for the Johnstown Generals.
There were two postponed games that left the immediate and long-term future of the franchise in serious doubt just two weeks ago.

May 26, 2012
More Sports Headlines

What do you think of the Johnstown Tomahawks name for the city's North American Hockey League team?

Sports

Search Results

Discussion

Mike Mastovich | Watson a game-changer in every sense of the word

What do you think of the Johnstown Tomahawks name for the city's North American Hockey League team?

Contact Us