The 2023-2024 Schuylkill County Football Scholar Athletes have been named.
Every school year, the Schuylkill Chapter No. 25 of the National Football Foundation and College Hall of Fame holds their annual scholar athlete banquet. This year's list marks the 63rd anniversary of the Schuylkill Chapter 25 Scholar Athlete program.
Each school district was instructed to select their athlete based on the criteria of outstanding football ability and performance, outstanding academic application and performance, and outstanding school leadership and citizenship.These athletes will be recognized at a banquet ceremony to be held on Sunday, February 18th,2024 at 5:00 PM at the Schuylkill Intermediate Unit #29, MarLin, PA.
The following are the Schuylkill County athletes that were chosen from each the 14 school districts that will be recognized at the banquet.
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Blue Mountain - Will Jacobson
5’10, 185 lbs - QB, WR, HB, FS, CB, OLB - 4 Year Member, 3 Year Starter, 3 Year Letterman
Bio: Will Jacobson set the example for Blue Mountain’s football team as a two-year team Captain and “Iron Eagle”. Playing quarterback, running back, wide receiver, safety, corner, and linebacker during his Eagle career, Will returned from a season ending injury his Junior season to be selected as SCFCA Big School 2nd Team Linebacker and Republican Herald All-Area 2nd Team Linebacker his Senior season. Will was also named the Scholar Athlete of the Great American Rivalry Series during his Senior season. At quarterback, Will holds the Blue Mountain single game record for passing yards with 338 in a win over Jim Thorpe in 2022. He is a multi-sport athlete who also plays on the baseball team, where he was a starter on the 2023 squad that won the Schuylkill League and District XI Championship. Academically, Will holds a 3.61 GPA in a curriculum which includes AP Classes in Government and Environmental Science. Will is involved in Phi Sigma and the Varsity Club. He is on his school’s Leadership Council as a representative for athletics. He is involved in his community, participating through service projects with Blue Mountain and Schuylkill County youth sports camps. He also served through opportunities with the Salvation Army, United Way Stuff the Bus, and other church and community projects within Deer Lake. After graduating high school, Will plans to attend college to study Accounting. He is the son of Traci and Bill Jacobson.
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Mahanoy Area - Colm McGroarty
5’9, 160 lbs - RB, QB, CB, FS - 4 Year Member, 4 Year Starter, 4 Year
Letterman
Bio:
Colm McGroarty was the difference maker on both sides of the football
for the Mahanoy Area Golden Bears, contributing on offense as a
Quarterback and Running Back and on defense as a Defensive Back.
The All-State selection and Senior Captain holds the Golden Bears’
school records for Rushing Yards (4,219), total carries (615), and
defensive interceptions (16). During his Senior campaign, he contributed
1,469 rushing yards, 2,212 all purpose yards, with 25 total touchdowns.
Defensively, he tallied 5 interceptions, 15 pass deflections, and 130 total
tackles. During his senior year, he was honored by the SCFCA as their
Dream Team selection at Defensive Back, the SCFCA Small School 1st
Team as an Athlete and Defensive Back, Republican Herald 1st Team Defensive Back, was named as a Mini
Max Award honoree, and was selected to the PA Football Writers All State team as an Athlete. Additionally, he
gained honors from Eastern PA Football as a 1st Team All-State Selection as an Athlete, and was selected to
the WNEP Dream Team as a defensive back. Colm excelled as a 1st Team All-Area hurdler for the Track &
Field team, placing 1st in the 300m hurdles at League and District XI meets, adding a 10th place finish at the
State meet. Colm was a 2 year captain for the Golden Bear Basketball squad which won the 2023 District XI
Championship. In the classroom, he is ranked in the top 15% of his class with a 3.9 GPA, enrolled in a
curriculum with AP classes in Biology and Calculus. He is a member of LCCC, National Honor Society,
Student Council, Interact Club, Theatre Arts, and FBLA. Colm participates through community service
opportunities with Action Group, Interact Club, and Town Clean-Up. Upon Graduation, Colm plans to attend
Duquesne University on a Track & Field scholarship to study Nursing. He is the son of John and Kelly
McGroarty.
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Marian Catholic - Bruce Hopeck
6'2, 205 lbs - QB, DL - 4 Year Member, 4 Year Starter, 4 Year Letterman
Bio:
Marian Catholic's four-year starter and Senior captain Bruce Hopeck led the
Colts to a strong 2023 season, finishing as a District XI Runner-Up. Playing
both as a quarterback and defensive lineman during his Colts career, he
passed for over 1,300 yards during his Senior year as starting quarterback. His
2,375 career passing yards rank him 9th all-time in Marian history. His passing
abilities led him to Standard Speaker All-Area, Times News All-Star, SCFCA
Small School 2nd Team, and Morning Call All-Area Honorable Mention honors
at Quarterback. A multi-sport athlete, Bruce also participated as a member of
the Marian Basketball squad. Academically, Bruce is an Honor Roll student
and ranks in the top half of his Senior class with a 3.25 GPA. He has
completed dual enrollment college credit courses in Algebra and Psychology.
He boasts perfect attendance throughout all four years at Marian Catholic. He is involved in the Green club,
Evangelization team, FBLA, the Immaculate Heart Society, and Students Against Destructive Decisions. As a
volunteer through Marian's Immaculate Heart Society, he has completed over 300 hours of community
service. After graduation from high school, Bruce plans on enrolling in college or pursuing an opportunity with
a trade. He is the son of Tracey Hopeck and the late Bruce Hopeck.
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Minersville Area - Lorenzo Yourey
6’2, 190 lbs - RB, WR, QB, CB, OLB, DE, SS - 4 Year Member, 4 Year Starter, 4
Year Letterman
Bio:
Multi-talented Lorenzo Yourey played seven different positions as a member of
the Battlin’ Miner football team. The four year starter and Senior Captain
starred as a running back, wide receiver, quarterback, corner, safety,
linebacker, and defensive end for Minersville Area. As a member of the 2023
District XI Class A Champion Miners, the SCFCA 1st team Small School WR
and 2nd Team Small School LB Honoree amassed a career statistics of 235
tackles, 8 sacks, 982 receiving yards, 374 passing yards, 170 rushing yards,
and 15 total touchdowns. Minersville Area’s “Iron Miner”, he was their leading
receiver his Senior year and was voted as their Overall Captain. Lorenzo is a
multi sport athlete who was honored as a 2nd Team All Area selection on the
baseball team, he also is 3 year member of the basketball team. In the classroom, Lorenzo is ranked 2nd in
his class with a 4.0 GPA. His strong curriculum consists of AP Classes in Calculus and Biology, with Dual
Enrollment college credit through Penn State University. He is Minersville Area’s Academic Achievement
Award winner, and the Distinguished Honors student was also selected as Student of the Month in November
of 2023. In addition to being his Football Scholar Athlete Nominee, he was selected as Minersville Area’s
Overall Male Scholar Athlete. He is heavily involved in his Minersville Area school as President of the National
Honor Society and President of the Student Council. He is his Senior class Treasurer, and is a leader of the
Aevidum club. He is also involved with Spanish Club, Esports club, SADD Club, and the Junior Advisory Drug
and Alcohol Prevention Board. Lorenzo is involved in his Minersville community through service opportunities
with Little League field clean-ups, Memorial Day veterans’ cemetery flag placing, Special Olympics flag
football and basketball, and the Go Joe fundraiser. Upon graduation, he plans to attend Lebanon Valley
College on a Trustee Scholarship to major in Physical Therapy. He is the son of Eugene, Jennifer, and
Kathleen Yourey.
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Nativity BVM - Nolan Ferhat
5’8, 150 lbs - RB, DB - 4 Year Member, 3 Year Starter, 4 Year Letterman
Bio:
Nativity BVM’s two-time team Captain Nolan Ferhat led the Green Wave on
the football field with a strong combination of intelligence, leadership skills,
and athletic ability. The running back and defensive back gained recognition
from Eastern PA Football as a four year member of their All-Academic Gold
team. He was also honored by PA Football News as a four time member of
the All-Academic Silver team. A multi-sport athlete at Nativity BVM, Nolan
participates as a member of the Baseball, Track & Field, and Basketball
teams. Academically, Nolan is ranked in the top 30% of his class with a 3.96
GPA. He is enrolled in a curriculum which includes AP Classes in Language &
Composition and Literature & Composition. He was selected to the
Distinguished Honor Roll during his time at Nativity BVM, and is a member of
the National Honor Society. He is a member of Student Council. He volunteers in his community by
participating at a number of school events at Nativity, as a volunteer at Red Cross blood drives, and at diaper
and coat drives. After graduation, Nolan plans to attend the University of Miami to study Business
Management. He is the son of Joseph Ferhat and Deborah Yuengling Ferhat.
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North Schuylkill - Collin Stanakis
6’0, 180 lbs - WR, RB, CB - 3 Year Member, 2 Year Starter, 2 Year Letterman
Bio:
From the first day Collin Stanakis stepped foot into Spartan Stadium, he made
significant contributions to the North Schuylkill football squad. A two year
starter and two-time All Academic Team member, Collin Stanakis was a leader
for the Spartans on both sides of the football, with selections to the SCFCA
Big School All-Area 2nd Team at both wide receiver and defensive back due to
strong Senior year statistics of 350 receiving yards, 275 rushing yards, and 3
interceptions. Collin’s strong performances throughout his Senior season
gained him selections as a T102 Defensive Player of the Game and a Schuylkill
League Athlete of the Week. He is a multi sport athlete for the Spartans,
contributing as a four year member and two time captain on the baseball
team. He also participates for North Schuylkill’s Unified Indoor Bocce Team as
a two year member. In the classroom, Collin is ranked in the top 5 of his senior
class with a 4.1884 GPA. He is enrolled in a strong curriculum consisting of AP Classes in Calculus, Biology,
US History, and Literature and Composition. Collin is a member of the National Honor Society and the Math,
English, Science, and Social Studies Subject Honor Societies. He is an active member of his Spartan
community, participating in the Pep Club, Aevidium Club, and Friends Forever Club. He was also voted as
Vice President of the Student Council. Collin volunteers his time with Big Impact - Big Brothers/Big Sisters
and at clean-up opportunities at local parks. Collin’s future plans include attending college to study Physical
Therapy. He is the son of Catherine and Dale Stanakis.
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Panther Valley - Eli Maynard
6’1, 205 lbs - TE, C, T, LB, DE - 4 Year Member, 3 Year Starter,
4 Year Letterman
Bio:
Panther Valley’s scholar athlete representative Eli Maynard
played an integral role on the Panthers’ football team. The three
year starter and four year letterman contributed as a tight end,
linebacker, offensive lineman, and defensive end. A Team
Captain his Senior year, Eli earned the Schuylkill/Colonial
League’s Sportsmanship Award and was voted as Panther
Valley’s Lineman of the Year by his coaches and peers. During
his Senior season, he compiled statistics of 41 tackles, 2 tackles for loss, 1 interception, and 1 fumble
recovery. He participates for the Panthers as a multi-sport athlete, also playing on the basketball, track & field,
and baseball teams. In the classroom, Eli is a National Honor Society student who is ranked 1st in his Senior
class with a 4.0 GPA. He takes a rigorous curriculum with Advanced Placement classes in Literature,
Calculus, US History, Chemistry and Computer Science. Eli is an active member of his community, with
volunteerism through Maple Shades Nursing Home, The American Cancer Society, and events throughout the
Panther Valley School District. Eli plans to attend college upon graduation from high school, with a decision
on his college major to be made at a future date. He is the son of Jennifer and William Maynard.
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Pine Grove Area - Tyler Sleva
6’2, 237 lbs - OL, DL - 4 Year Member, 4 Year Starter, 4 Year Letterman
Bio:
Pine Grove Area’s scholar athlete nominee Tyler Sleva set the example on the
football field and in the classroom for his peers. The Senior Captain and
Accountability Group leader helped pave the way for two 1,000 yard rushers
during career as a Cardinals offensive and defensive lineman. Pine Grove
Area’s “Be the Standard” award winner, he participated on a Cardinals team
which reached the Eastern Conference Championship game his Junior year.
Tyler was selected as a member of the PA Football News All-Academic Gold
team and was a Burlsworth Character Award honoree. Tyler is a multi-sport
athlete, also participating as a member of the track & field team. In the
classroom, he is ranked in the top 10% of his class with a 100.26 GPA. He is
enrolled in a strong curriculum consisting of AP Classes in Chemistry, Physics,
Calculus, European History, and English. A National Honor Society member, he
is a member of the Travel Club and participates in the Quiz Bowl. Tyler is an active member of his Pine Grove
community, participating in community service through Knights of Columbus Thanksgiving Meal deliveries.
After graduation, he plans to attend college to study Aerospace Engineering. He is the son of Amanda Gilgore
and Paul Sleva.
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Pottsville Area - Kole Becker
6’1, 185 lbs - QB, LS, WR, S - 4 Year Member, 2 Year Starter, 3 Year Letterman
Bio:
Kole Becker was one of the leaders in the Pottsville Area Crimson Tide huddle. A
three-year letterman and two-year starter for the Tide, he played quarterback, wide
receiver, safety, and long snapper during his high school football career. Kole is a
multi-sport athlete at Pottsville Area, participating as a member of the basketball
and baseball teams. A strong performer in the classroom, Kole has earned a 4.099
GPA, ranking him in the Top 10% among his Senior class. He is a member of the
National Honor Society, and takes a rigorous curriculum consisting of Advanced
Placement classes in Statistics, Biology, and Government. In his Pottsville
community, Kole has volunteered with clean-up projects at the JFK Park Complex,
and around his school complex. After graduation from Pottsville Area, Kole plans
to enroll in college to study Mechanical Engineering. He is the son of Jennifer
Holley and Kirk Becker.
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Schuylkill Haven -Travis Richie
6’0, 165 lbs - QB, WR, CB, S - 4 Year Member, 4 Year Starter, 4 Year
Letterman
Bio:
Travis Richie was a 4 year starter for Schuylkill Haven, excelling as a
quarterback, wide receiver, corner, and safety. Travis Captained his team his
Senior year, leading the Hurricanes to a Schuylkill/Colonial Division title and
District XI runner up honors. During his Senior year, he compiled 87 total
tackles on the defensive side of the football, and contributed offensively with
123 yards receiving. For his efforts on the field, he gained recognition from the
SCFCA as Small School 1st Team DB and Small School 2nd Team WR. Travis
also stars on the basketball court for Schuylkill Haven, averaging 14 points per
game as a 4 year varsity starter and was recognized as a 2nd team All-Area
hooper his Junior year. In the classroom, Travis has earned a 4.1 GPA, ranking
him in the top 15% among his peers. A National Honor Society member, Travis has achieved dual enrollment
college credits in Accounting. He serves his community as a member of Borough Clean Up Day. He also
participated through community service as a Youth Football Camp Counselor. Upon graduation, he plans to
attend college to study Business Management. Travis is the son of Bryan and Pam Richie.
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Shenandoah Valley - Alexander Kozlosky
5’10, 180 lbs - LB, RB, TE - 4 Year Member, 4 Year Starter, 4 Year Letterman
Bio:
Team Captain Alexander Kozlosky starred as a tight end, running back, and
linebacker for the Blue Devils, starting all four years during his tenure at
Shenandoah Valley. At linebacker, he tallied a career 268 tackles. On the
offensive side of the football, he ran for a career 299 yards with 1 touchdown,
to go along with 101 yards receiving and 2 receiving touchdowns. In 2021,
Alexander was named as a Standard Speaker 1st Team linebacker selection,
and an SCFCA North 2nd Team linebacker selection. In 2022, he was a
Standard Speaker Honorable Mention linebacker selection. He was voted
Shenandoah Valley’s Team Most Outstanding Defensive Player twice by his
coaches. He was also selected as a two-time honoree to EasternPAFootball’s
All-Academic Gold Team, with selections to PA Football News’s All-Academic
Silver and Gold Teams. Alexander is a two sport athlete, also participating as a member of the Blue Devil
Track & Field team. In the classroom, Alexander is the number one ranked member of his senior class, holding
a 101.21 GPA. He takes a rigorous curriculum of AP Calculus and AP History, with Honors classes in Biology
and Anatomy & Physiology. The National Honor Society member has also completed 5 dual enrollment
college level courses through LCCC. In his Shenandoah community, Alexander volunteers through projects
with Youth Football Camp, The Spartan Games, and Elementary School Field Day. Upon graduation,
Alexander plans to attend college to study Biomedical Engineering. He is the son of Leonard III and Tiffany
Kozlosky.
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Tamaqua Area - Matthew Welsh
5’9, 253 lbs - RG, LG, DT - 4 Year Member, 2 Year Starter, 2 Year Letterman
Bio:
Hard-working student-athlete Matthew Welsh anchored the Tamaqua Area
Blue Raiders in the trenches. The offensive lineman and defensive lineman
was a Team Mentor who provided guidance for the underclassmen during his
senior campaign. Matthew was a member of the Blue Raiders’ squad which
qualified for the District XI playoffs during his Senior season. A multi-sport
athlete, Matthew also participates on the Track & Field team, where he throws
shot-put and discus. In the classroom, Matthew is ranked in the top 15% of
his high school class, earning a 96.792 GPA. He is a member of the National
Honor Society and the National English Honor Society. Matthew is involved in
his Tamaqua community, volunteering at St. Luke’s sponsored community
events. He is also involved as a volunteer at golf tournaments, basket raffles,
and cemetery clean-ups. He supports the youth in his community as a youth reader, and participated as
Santa at a local day care. After graduation, Matthew plans to enroll in college to study Finance. He is the son
of Matt and Kristen Welsh.
Tri-Valley - Layne Yoder
5'10, 170 lbs - WR, OLB, DB - 4 Year Member, 4 Year Starter, 4 Year
Letterman
Bio:
Bulldog captain Layne Yoder's crisp route running and stout defensive play led
Tri-Valley to a District Championship and multiple District XI Championship
appearances during his high school career. As wide receiver, he boasts career
statistics of 76 receptions with 1,093 yards and 11 touchdowns. Defensively,
he collected 10 career interceptions at defensive back. As a senior, he was
honored with selections to the SCFCA Dream Team as a Defensive Back,
SCFCA 1st Team as Small School Defensive Back, SCFCA 2nd Team as Small
School Wide Receiver, and the Republican Herald's 2nd Team as a Defensive
Back. Layne is a multi-sport athlete, competing on the baseball and basketball
teams as a four-year starter. In the classroom, Layne is a Distinguished Honor
Roll student who is ranked in the top 20% of his high school class with a 99.14
GPA. He is a member of the National Honor Society, and National Spanish Honor Society. He is involved in a
variety of community service opportunities in his Tri-Valley community and through participation in the
Athletes for Christ Club. Upon graduation from high school, he plans to enroll at Penn State Schuylkill
Campus to study Mechanical Engineering. He is the son of Ginger and Larry Yoder.
Williams Valley - Alex Achenbach
5’11, 175 lbs - RB, WR, QB, CB, S, P - 4 Year Member, 4 Year Starter, 4 Year
Letterman
Bio:
Alex Achenbach was the dominating force which led the Williams Valley
Vikings to three District XI championships during his tenure in Tower City. The
star player and three-time Captain overwhelmed the opposition while he was
on offense, setting Williams Valley school records in career rushing yards
(7,016), single season rushing yards (3,056), single game rushing yards (343),
career rushing touchdowns (76), and single game touchdowns (7). During his
record setting Senior campaign, he rushed for the most yards in the state of
Pennsylvania. Alex’s versatility also shined as a passer and receiver for the
Vikings, with 760 career receiving yards, 8 career receiving touchdowns, 513
career passing yards, and 11 career passing touchdowns. The three-time PA
Football Writers All-Stater, WNEP Dream Teamer, Mini-Max Award Honoree and PennLive All-Pennsylvania
Teamer was named this year’s Republican Herald Offensive Player of the Year. He was also honored by the
SCFCA as their Offensive Player of the Year selection, with Dream Team honors and 1st Team Small School
honors as a running back. Not to be outdone on the defensive side of the football, the SCFCA Small School
2nd Team defensive back contributed 144 career tackles and 11 career interceptions. Alex is a multi-sport
athlete as a 4 year basketball letterman, 1,000 point scorer, and team member of the 2021 District XI
Champion Vikings. He is also a 1 year baseball letterman. Alex holds a 96.95 GPA which ranks him in the top
10 of his high school class. He is enrolled in a strong curriculum of AP US History, with Honors classes in
Geometry, Biology, Algebra, Chemistry, English, Zoology, and Math and Trigonometry. Alex is a National
Honor Society member, a member of Student Council, and October of 2023’s Student of the Month. He stays
involved in his community as a volunteer for Paws for Cause, Williamstown EMS Trunk or Treat, Tower City’s
playground renovation, stadium and weight room volunteer work, Tower City Carnival set-up, Williamstown
Fire House Carnival set-up, as an Elementary Guest Reader, and at Williamstown Community Day. After
graduating from Williams Valley, Alex plans to attend college to study Business Management. He is the son of
Ryan Achenbach and Cheryl Gonder.