Area players selected to All-State squad

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December 21, 2011

Shawn Curtis scurtis@tribdem.com The Tribune-Democrat Thu Dec 22, 2011, 10:21 AM EST

JOHNSTOWN — Four of the area’s brightest football stars were given statewide recognition Wednesday when the 2011 Pennsylvania Sports Writers all-state squads were announced for Class A and AAA.

Windber running back Colin Bryan, Bishop McCort offensive lineman Zach Rugg and Berlin Brothersvalley defensive lineman Jacob Craig were selected to the Class A team with Greater Johnstown linebacker Alkwan Williams earning a nod on the AAA squad.

All-state squads for Class AA and Class AAAA will be released today.

A 6-1, 218-pound senior, Williams will continue his football career at Pitt next season. While at Johnstown this past season, Williams racked up 136 tackles with 31 tackles accounting for a combined loss of 92 yards.

“It feels good, I’d been honorable mention the last couple seasons, so it feels pretty good to be first-team all-state,” Williams said.

His ability to make big plays proved instrumental as the Trojans marched to a 9-2 record.

“If anybody has ever deserved to be all-state, it’s Alkwan Williams,” Johnstown coach Tony Penna Jr. said.

“What he’s done for his teammates and his team to be able to make the huge play ... I couldn’t be happier for him.”

Bryan rushed for 2,352 yards and an astounding 37 touchdowns, 15 more than any player in The Tribune-Democrat’s coverage area. The 6-foot-0, 188-pound senior was instrumental in the Ramblers’ run to a District 5 Class A championship game appearance.

“It’s a great honor for our program, Colin and the Windber community for him to receive statewide recognition,” Windber coach Matt Grohal said.

“There are so many great tailbacks in the state and to have him get chosen to the all-state team is the cherry on top of a great season.”

Bryan rushed for 200 or more yards in eight of the Ramblers’ 11 games this season.

“All the credit goes to my teammates ... ” Bryan said. “I was confident coming in, but I didn’t think it was going to be this good (statistically). My teammates and I worked hard all year to get the W every week and I think that’s what made it a special season.”

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Area players selected to All-State squad

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