LEO HAROS, ELKO, GILPIN AND PIZANO TO PLAY IN PENNSYLVANIA SCHOLASTIC FOOTBALL COACHES ASSOCIATION EAST WEST ALL STAR GAME ON MAY 29, 2022

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CITIZENS VOICE

Having participated in the Rubio Long Snapping camps for special teams players, Blaise Sokach-Minnick had an advantage when he headed to the Spooky Nook Sports Complex in Manheim.
It was there in December when candidates worked out in a combine-type event to be selected to the Pennsylvania Football Coaches Association’s Big 33 team, a roster that was revealed Tuesday.
“I was confident in it, I didn’t want to think ahead too much,” Sokach-Minnick said. “I wanted to work hard and hope for the best. It all worked out. The hard work paid off.”
It certainly did.
Sitting in study hall Tuesday morning at Wyoming Area High School, Sokach-Minnick learned he made the team by watching the press conference announcing the members of the Pennsylvania squad.
The game, which matches Pennsylvania players against Maryland players, will be played May 30 at Bishop McDevitt High School.
While the position players for the Big 33 team are essentially selected based on film provided by their respective high school coaches, specialists go through a combine event where Sokach-Minnick, 6-foot-3, 205 pounds, was timed in the 40-yard dash and snapped to the kickers and punters. He estimates there were 12 other long snappers in attendance.
“This definitely wasn’t the first camp I have been to,” said Sokach-Minnick who will attend Penn State as a preferred walk-on as a long snapper. “I was a little on the experienced side. I wanted to make sure I did my best. It is a big thing for Wyoming Area. When someone makes the Big 33 they get their jersey on the wall. I wanted to make sure I made the best of it.”

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Blaise Sokach-Minnick
Year: Senior
School: Wyoming Area
Height/Weight: 6-4/210
Position: Quarterback/Defensive end/Long snapper
Headed to Penn State as a preferred walk-on as a long snapper. Completed 65 of 130 passes for 1,237 yards and 15 touchdowns. Averaged 15.5 yards per completion. Ran for 97 yards and one touchdown. Recorded 23 total tackles including five tackles for loss. Had four sacks, one QB hurry and two fumble recoveries.

Nick Elko
Year: Senior
School: Wyoming Area
Height/Weight: 6-4/295
Position: Offensive line/Defensive line
Has received an offer from Clarion. Played up front on both sides of the line scrimmage. Helped Wyoming Area’s run game rush for 2,762 yards and 37 touchdowns while averaging 6.7 yards per carry. Had 57 total tackles, 27 of them solo. Tied for the team-lead in sacks with four and had six quarterback hurries.

Rocco Pizano
Year: Senior
School: Wyoming Area
Height/Weight: 5-10/175
Position: Wide receiver/defensive back
Was a plug and play guy meaning whatever spot Pizano was on the field he found a way to make an impact. Led the team in receptions with 20 for 365 yards and six touchdowns. Averaged 18.3 yards per catch. Rushed for 387 yards and five touchdowns while averaging 10.5 yards per carry. Intercepted two passes and returned a kick 88 yards for a touchdown. Had 23 total tackles, 18 solo.

Leo Haros
Year:Senior
School: Wyoming Area
Height/Weight: 5-11/170
Position: Running back/Defensive back
Emerged as the featured back in the running game early in the season. Led the team in rushing with 751 yards. Averaged 6.7 yards per carry and rushed for 10 touchdowns. Averaged 15.3 yards per catch. Led the team with three interceptions returning one for a touchdown. Had 29 total tackles, 25 of them solo.

Jayden Rusyn
Year: Senior
School: Wyoming Area
Height/Weight: 6-2/230
Position: Tight end/Fullback/Defensive line
Had 69 total tackles, 41 of them solo. Recorded three sacks for a loss of 14 total yards. Caused and recovered one fumble. Averaged 3.4 yards per carry and rushed for one touchdown, and averaged 18.0 yards per catch. Kicked 21 extra points and two field goals with a long of 30 yards.

@ Wilkes-Barre (Spartan Stadium)

vs. Lake Lehman

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Nick Elko

2021 Carmelo Falcone MVP winner

Photo by Tony Callaio